research and Experimental design

 

Definition:

Experimental design is the process of carrying out research in an objective and controlled fashion so that precision is maximized and specific conclusions can be drawn regarding a hypothesis statement.

The design of experiments (DOE or DOX), also known as experiment design or experimental design, is the design of any task that aims to describe and explain the variation of information under conditions that are hypothesized to reflect the variation.

The term is generally associated with ex in which the design introduces conditions that directly affect the variation, but may also refer to the design of quasi-experiments, in which natural conditions that influence the variation are selected for observation.

In its simplest form, an experiment aims at predicting the outcome by introducing a change of the preconditions, which is represented by one or more independent variables, also referred to as "input variables" or "predictor variables."

The change in one or more independent variables is generally hypothesized to result in a change in one or more dependent variables, also referred to as "output variables" or "response variables."

The experimental design may also identify control variables that must be held constant to prevent external factors from affecting the results.

Experimental design involves not only the selection of suitable independent, dependent, and control variables, but planning the delivery of the experiment under statistically optimal conditions given the constraints of available resources.

There are multiple approaches for determining the set of design points (unique combinations of the settings of the independent variables) to be used in the experiment.

Main concerns in experimental design include the establishment of validity, reliability, and replicability.

For example, these concerns can be partially addressed by carefully choosing the independent variable, reducing the risk of measurement error, and ensuring that the documentation of the method is sufficiently detailed. Related concerns include achieving appropriate levels of statistical power and sensitivity.

Correctly designed experiments advance knowledge in the natural and social sciences and engineering, with design of experiments methodology recognised as a key tool in the successful implementation of a Quality by Design (QbD) framework. Other applications include marketing and policy making. The study of the design of experiments is an important topic in metascience.

 

You can conduct experimental research in the following situations:

·        Time is a vital factor in establishing a relationship between cause and effect.

·        Invariable behavior between cause and effect.

·        You wish to understand the importance of the cause and effect.

Types of experimental research design

The classic experimental design definition is, “The methods used to collect data in experimental studies.”

There are three primary types of experimental design:

·        Pre-experimental research design

·        True experimental research design

·        Quasi-experimental research design

 

The way you classify research subjects, based on conditions or groups, determines the type of research design you should use.

1. Pre-experimental research design: A group, or various groups, are kept under observation after implementing factors of cause and effect. You’ll conduct this research to understand whether further investigation is necessary for these particular groups.

You can break down pre-experimental research further in three types:

·        One-shot Case Study Research Design

·        One-group Pretest-posttest Research Design

·        Static-group Comparison

2. True experimental research design: 

True experimental research relies on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a hypothesis, making it the most accurate form of research.

the types of experimental design, only true design can establish a cause-effect relationship within a group.

In a true experiment, three factors need to be satisfied:

·        There is a Control Group, which won’t be subject to changes, and an Experimental Group, which will experience the changed variables.

·        A variable which can be manipulated by the researcher

·        Random distribution

 

This experimental research method commonly occurs in the physical sciences.

3. Quasi-experimental research design: 

·       The word “Quasi” indicates similarity.

·       A quasi-experimental design is similar to experimental, but it is not the same. The difference between the two is the assignment of a control group.

·       In this research, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not randomly assigned.

·       Quasi-research is used in field settings where random assignment is either irrelevant or not required.

·       A quasi-experimental research aims to determine whether a programme or intervention has the intended effect on the participants of the research study. It is empirical study used to estimate the causal impact of an intervention on its taget population

Quasi experimental research attempts to answer question such as:

Ø Does a treatment or intervention have an impact?

Ø What is the relationshio between programme the practices and outcomes?

Ø What partocular effect did a particular treatment have on a particular population?

Advantages of experimental research

It’s vital to test new ideas or theories. Why put time, effort, and funding into something that may not work?

Experimental research allows you to test your idea in a controlled environment before taking it to market. It also provides the best method to test your theory, thanks to the following advantages:

 

·        Researchers have a stronger hold over variables to obtain desired results.

·       The subject or industry does not impact the effectiveness of experimental research. Any industry can implement it for research purposes.

·        The results are specific.

·        After analyzing the results, you can apply your findings to similar ideas or situations.

·        You can identify the cause and effect of a hypothesis. Researchers can further analyze this relationship to determine more in-depth ideas.

·        Experimental research makes an ideal starting point. The data you collect is a foundation on which to build more ideas and conduct more research.

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