Experimental design is a type of research design that allows the researcher to control for certain variables to isolate the effect of one variable on another. A non-experimental design is a type of research design that does not allow the researcher to control for any variables.
Experimental design is often used in the sciences, such as physics or chemistry, to control for as many variables as possible. In this research design, the researcher will usually manipulate one variable while keeping all other variables constant. For example, a researcher studying the effect of light on plant growth would manipulate the amount of light the plants are exposed to while keeping all other variables, such as soil type and temperature, constant.
Nonexperimental design is often used in the social sciences, such as psychology or sociology. In this type of research design, the researcher has no control over the studied variables. For example, a researcher studying the effects of poverty on crime rates would not be able to manipulate poverty levels; she would observe and collect data on poverty and crime rates.
DQ: Provide examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design
Another example is patient tiredness. How variable is fatigue among cancer patients? In my perspective, their exhaustion is not a discrete assessment. Many of my patients attribute their exhaustion to the last time they had chemotherapy or the stage of their chemotherapy cycle. Furthermore, if the chemotherapy has caused a decline in hemoglobin and hematocrit, a patient’s weariness could be attributed to anemia.
Of course, as you indicated, some folks are not fatigued. Others have very slight energy drops, while others are fully tired. We assess these patients to see if blood products or IV fluids are needed. Patients’ tiredness levels are measured again when they return for evaluation following these therapies. I believe their reactions imply that they will be less tired at their follow-up consultation. Regardless of their comments, this would be tough for researchers.
Nonexperimental research includes observing the reactions of patients to pet therapy. I’m curious how people who don’t consider themselves “pet people” react to pet therapy. Thodberg et al. eliminated nursing home residents who were terrified of dogs or had an allergy to dogs from their study (2015). They mentioned plainly that the exclusion criteria were fear or allergy, but they did not mention whether residents disliked dogs.
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Topic 3 DQ 1
Provide examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design. Contrast the levels of control applied to each.
Experimental research uses a scientific approach towards manipulating one or more control variables. Non- experimental research does not involve the manipulation of control variables. In experimental research the researcher controls all aspects of the study. In non- experimental research the researcher can only rely on interpretation, observation, or interactions to conclude.
An example of experimental research is the studying if the effects of a new drug to treat a certain condition is effective. There can be a total of 3 groups. The first group receives a high dose, second group a low dose, and the third group gets a placebo. An example of non-experimental research is when the investigation may be interested in the average age, sex, most common diagnosis, and other characteristics of pediatric patients transported by ambulance. Experimental research is fixed vs. non-experimental research is flexible.
- Kerry Walker
Quantitative research is research that can be measured whereas qualitative research that cannot be precisely measured (Ebling Library, n.d.). Other differences between the two is that quantitative research is considered hard science, has a narrow focus and tests a theory (Ebling Library, n.d.). Qualitative research is broader, develops a theory and is more subjective (Ebling Library, n.d.). It seems that experimental and nonexperimental design can be described as quantitative and qualitative respectively. An experimental design being testing a new prostate cancer drug vs non-experimental emotional effect of prostate cancer.
Ebling Library. (n.d.). Nursing Resources: Qualitative vs Quantitative. https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/c.php?g=861013&p=6170079.
- Victoria Smith
Good information and definition on experimental and non-experima=ental research. I like the simple explanations you have made. according to your text, an example would be like a trial for cancer or dementia the participants would get be split into groups one set will get actually a drug that supposes to be like cure, the next group will get a modified dose and another group will get a placebo. it’s a great way to see how and if a drug or medication works but the sad part is the hope it can bring to families or the participants if they have the placebo or if it doesn’t want altogether, but I guess the whole point of research.
- Deidra Earls
Yes, Victoria I agree! Great way to research the drug but the effect it has on the families should also be considered. Research using the experimental approach has two sets of variables. The first acts as a constant that one can use to measure the differences of the second set. We must have enough information to support our decision and determine the facts. Experimental research helps us make better decisions.
- Shana Fogelman
Deidra great post! Experimental research is typically quantitative, multivariable, and controlled. While non-experimental research can
DQ Provide examples of experimental and nonexperimental research design
actually be both quantitative and qualitative, involves an uncontrolled variable, and also a cross-sectional research problem. The characteristics of experimental research are the direct opposite of that of non-experimental research. The most distinct characteristic element is the ability to control or manipulate independent variables in experimental research and not in non-experimental research.
Reference:
- (2020, January 24). Experimental Vs Non-Experimental Research: 15 Key Differences. Experimental vs Non-Experimental. https://www.formpl.us/blog/experimental-non-experimental-research
