Experimental research is defined essentially as research in which the causal (independent) variable(s) can be manipulated in order to change an effect Because of this element of manipulation, researchers in using experimental methods are expected to maintain a good degree of control throughout the period of the study to establish with confidence that cause and effect occurred.
A classic experimental research design in education involves establishing two random groups of students:* one group is a control group that is taught in a traditional manner; a second group is the experimental group that is taught in a new/non-traditional manner. Pre and post tests of student achievement are conducted to determine if a statistically significant difference occurred in achievement. If the achievement in the experimental group is statistically higher than the achievement in the control group, the experiment was a success in demonstrating that the new teaching technique was the cause for the higher achievement effect
studies that seek clues to cause-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors (independent variables) while controlling others (holding them constant).
Other definition:
Experimental research refers to a study that seeks clues to cause-effect relationships by manipulating one or more factors (independent variables) while controlling others (holding them constant). |
Glossary / Lexicon