Social Research Methods Experimental Research MAN-10 Erlan Bakiev, Ph. D Experimental Research
Types of Research Questions Causal relationships Ethical and practical limitations Capable of manipulation conditions Narrow in scope Confounding variables Generally good for micro-level data Convention
History of Experimental Design Wilhelm M. Wundt (1832-1920) Behaviorism Quantification Introduction of anonymity Applied research
Random Assignment
Random Sampling
How to Random Assign
Matching vs. Random Assignment
Experimental Design Logic Language of Experiments Subjects Treatment Pretest Posttest Experimental group Control group
Experimental Design Logic Steps in an Experiment Hypothesis Choose a design Design experiment How to introduce IV How to measure DV Locate subjects Randomly assign subjects Gather pretest data Run experiment Introduce treatment Measure DV Gather posttest data Debrief Analyze data
Experimental Design Logic Control in Experiments Controlling all aspects of the experiment Deception Confederate
Classical Experimental Design
Preexperimental Design
Quasi-experimental Design Two-Group Posttest-Only Interrupted Time Series Equivalent Time Series Latin Square Solomon Four-Group Factorial
Quasi-experimental Design
Internal and External Validity
Internal Validity Threats to internal validity Selection bias History Maturation Testing Instrumentation Experimental mortality Statistical regression
Internal Validity Threats to internal validity Manipulation check Diffusion of treatment Compensatory behavior Experimenter expectancy Double-blind/Single-blind Demand characteristics Placebo effect Manipulation check
External Validity Population generalization Naturalistic generalization Mundane realism Reactivity Hawthorne effect Theoretical generalization Experimental realism
External Validity
Practical Considerations Planning and pilot tests Instructions to subjects Postexperiment interview Debrief