In: Statistics and Probability
quasi experimental versus experimental research with clear illustration of the meaning of control group
Quasi experimental research is employed when the researcher is interested in independent variable that cannot be randomly assigned. This happens when the independent variable is an innate characteristic of the of the participants. In an Experimental research, participants have an equal chance of being assigned to any condition of the independent variable.
ILLUSTRATION:
Experimental research:
A researcher is examining the effects of caffeine on reading comprehension. He randomly assigns participants to one of three independent variable conditions: those who drink one cup of soda, two cups of soda or no soda. He then assesses each person's reading comprehension abilities following exposure to the independent variable. In Experimental research, each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any of the three groups.
Quasi Experimental research:
A researcher is examining IQ scores of people who score highly in each of the five "Big Five" personality factors. each of the five personality factors are quasi independent variable. Personality traits are inherent to each person. So, random assignments cannot be used. Participants will be assigned to groups based on their personality assessment score across each of the five personality factors.The researcher examines the impact that personality factor has on intelligence.