June 17 - Experimental Research

At this point, we have examined correlational and causal-comparative research along with the other designs of research. We have noted that neither causal-comparative nor correlational research designs can provide us with strong cause and effect information. We cannot say from the results of these types of studies that something caused something else with any sort of strong confidence. In fact, we would make a critical error in trying to do so.

Today, we will be examining our final type of research that does allow us to draw cause and effect conclusions. This type of research is experimental research. Experimental research is used extensively in the medical field and various other science-related fields. In addition, it is used in the testing of a variety of products in a host of fields. It is also used in education to try to examine cause and effect.

We can use experimental research when we ask such questions as:

• If we use this method of instruction would it work better than this other method as indicated by Benchmark scores?


• If we use two different methods of instruction, would one lead to higher levels of motivation?


• If we use this textbook with one group and use a different textbook with the other, will end-of-unit test scores be statistically significantly different?


• Would one management technique lead to fewer numbers of misbehavior in my class than another?


• Would students physical testing scores be different based upon which type of three possible types of training they used?

There are multiple other questions we might ask similar to these in design. These are just a few. In today's and Monday's examination of experimental research, you will be doing several activities to help you better understand this important design. Please return to Blackboard to begin.