Independent Variable: The manipulated variable by the researcher (e.g., teaching methods, levels of lighting).
Treatment Conditions: The specific values of the independent variable (e.g., Traditional, Constructivist; high light, medium light, low light).
Dependent Variable: The variable observed for changes to assess the effects of the independent variable (e.g., student scores in math, size of plants).
Extraneous Variables: All other variables in the study that are not independent or dependent variables (e.g., IQ, temperature, fatigue, age, noise, oxygen, soil, fertilizer).
Experimental research is the most scientifically sophisticated research method, defined as "observation under controlled conditions."
Focuses on examining the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable through manipulation and observation.
True experimental designs allow researchers to control extraneous variables, ensuring that observed effects on the dependent variable are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.
The goal is to establish causal relationships between two variables.
Manipulation: A variable is manipulated to create treatment conditions (e.g., varying levels of lighting to observe plant growth).
Measurement: Collect scores from each treatment condition (e.g., measuring light intensity and plant length).
Comparison: Scores from different treatment conditions are compared (e.g., growth under different lighting conditions).
Control: Control extraneous variables (e.g., oxygen, fertilizer, soil, and water) to avoid influencing results.
Post-test Only Design: Comprises two randomly assigned groups (experimental and control); treatment is applied only to the experimental group, and outcomes are assessed post-treatment.
Pretest-Posttest Design: Subjects are randomly assigned and pretested before treatment, followed by a post-treatment assessment.
Solomon Four-Group Design: Involves four groups with different combinations of pretesting and treatment, minimizing threats to validity.
Factorial Design: Allows manipulation of two or more independent variables simultaneously to observe their effects.
Crossover Design: Subjects receive multiple treatments in different orders, allowing for self-control comparisons.
Randomized Block Design: Controls variability by grouping subjects with similar characteristics.
Establishes causal relationships effectively, particularly in controlled environments.
Enables control of conditions not found in natural settings, allowing significant findings in a shorter timeframe.
Facilitates research in specialized settings, minimizing external pressures.
Ethical concerns may limit research on human subjects.
Challenges in replicating results due to human variability.
Some human variables may lack valid measurement tools.
Quasi-experimental designs manipulate the independent variable but lack randomization or a control group, limiting their strict experimental control.
Typically used when random assignment or control groups are not possible.
Involves manipulation of independent variables and observation of effects on dependent variables.
Lacks one essential characteristic of true experiments (randomization or control).
Uses quasi-independent variables when complete control is impractical.
Nonrandomized Control Group Design: Lacks random assignment but observes outcomes in pretest-posttest scenarios.
Time-Series Design: Involves repeated measures over time to assess treatment effects on individuals or small groups.
More practical and feasible for nursing research where randomization may not be possible.
Suitable for natural settings, facilitating casual relationship establishment under real-world conditions.
Limited control over extraneous variables diminishes the reliability of results.
Absence of control groups weakens claims of causal relationships.
A weak research design with minimal control over experiments.
Types include:
One-shot Case Design: Observes a single group post-treatment without prior testing.
One-group Pretest-Posttest Design: Observes a single group pre and post-treatment but lacks control group.
Presented by: MR. JAYESH PATIDAR
Source: www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com