Experimental Research Designs & Investigation Methodologies

Controlled Experiment

an experimental investigation of the relationship between one or more IV’s and a DV; all other variables are controlled.

Strengths and Limitations of Controlled Experiments

Between Subjects Design

(independent groups design and matched participant design)

Participants are randomly allocated to either the control or the experimental condition

Strengths and Limitations of Between Subject Design

Within Subjects Design

(repeated measures design)

Involves all participants in the sample completing both the experimental and control conditions.

Strengths and Limitations of Within Subjects Design

Order effects can be present (i.e., boredom, fatigue and practice effects).

To minimise the impact of order effects, counterbalancing can be used.

Mixed Designs

Involves a combination of a between-subjects design and a within-subjects design. Some variables are tested using different groups of participants, while other variables are tested by having the same participants complete multiple conditions.

Example: Participants are allocated to either an experimental or control group (between-subjects), then complete both a pre-test and post-test (within-subjects) to measure changes in performance.

Strengths and Limitations of Mixed Design

Case Study

A case study is an investigation of a particular activity, behaviour, event or problem that contains a real or hypothetical situation and includes real-world complexities.

Strengths and Limitations of a Case Study

Fieldwork

A type of investigation methodology that involves collecting information by observing and interacting with a selected environment. Often this environment is a real-life setting rather than a laboratory-controlled setting.

Fieldwork may be conducted in a variety of ways, including:

•Direct qualitative and/or quantitative observations and sampling

•Participant observation

•Qualitative interviews

•Questionnaires

•Focus groups

•Yarning circles (culturally informed alternative to focus groups)                                                                                                                                                          

Each of which have their own strengths and limitations.

Strengths and Limitations of Fieldwork