Experimental and quasi-experimental research designs

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research

Research is imperative to quality analysis and development of theories. In any science, no matter if it is a physical, psychological, or sociological, research is integral to formulation of working theories. Without research, not only can problems not be solved but problems cannot even be properly determined. Having said that, it is important to understand that there are many different types of research methodology. Not all forms of research, and thus the data that they collect, are created equal. Some methods of research are far superior to others and the findings of researchers more influential and verifiable than research conducted in other methods. In The Research Methods Knowledge Base, authors Trochim and Donnelly (2008) discuss the importance of research and also explain the difference between types of research that can be conducted. Two types of research that they explore are experimental and quasi-experimental and in so doing explain how they two are different from one another and how each is necessary for proper research to be conducted.

Trochim and Donnelly explain that experimental research is often described as the "gold standard" of research design (2008). This is because that experimental research will be testable data which will be able to be repeated by subsequent researchers. Thus, the data that is received from the research will have the most internal validity. Experimental research ensures that the findings of analysts and researchers are most likely to be correct. Most experimental research is designed to find causations for given outcomes. To have true experimental research, it must be made evident that the causation that is determined by researchers is the only reason for what is witnessed. Experimental research also requires what Trochim & Donnelly call "random assignment," meaning that there cannot be any other explanation for cause other than what is being tested. It is because of the difficulties of creating and conducting perfect experimental research, that true cases of this type of investigation are relatively rare. Perhaps it is almost impossible to have true experimental research in most real-world situations because of all the necessary components of the investigation.

Trochim & Donnelly then describe quasi-experimental research. This type can be very similar to experimental research methodology. The major difference between the two is that quasi-experimental research does not require random assignment (Trochim 2008). Another major difference has to do with the test's internal validity. Quasi-experimental research also looks into causation for certain circumstances, but does not have to be the sole explanation for the set of circumstances. It is perhaps less scientific because it is not a singular explanation. Because of this, researchers will quite often disregard the importance of quasi-experimental research in their findings. However, this overlooks the fact that most research, whether intentionally or not, turns out to be quasi-experimental because of oversight on the part of experimentation design.