3 types of research design: Experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental (3 of 11)

Summary

This video explains the three main types of research design: experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental. It highlights key distinctions, such as the manipulation of independent variables and random assignment. Experimental studies involve both variable manipulation and random assignment for greater control. Quasi-experimental designs include manipulation but lack random assignment, offering less control. Non-experimental designs neither manipulate variables nor use random assignment, providing an exploratory approach with the least control. The video concludes by visualizing these differences through a simple graph, illustrating how each design type fits into the broader research landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Experimental research design involves manipulating an independent variable and using random assignment.
• 😀 Random assignment is a key feature that distinguishes experimental studies from other designs.
• 😀 Quasi-experimental research design has an independent variable manipulation but lacks random assignment.
• 😀 Non-experimental designs do not manipulate variables or use random assignment, focusing more on exploratory research.
• 😀 The three main types of research design are experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental.
• 😀 Experimental designs offer the highest level of control with both variable manipulation and random assignment.
• 😀 Quasi-experimental designs provide variable manipulation but with less control, as they do not use random assignment.
• 😀 Non-experimental designs provide the least control, as there is no manipulation or random assignment.
• 😀 Experimental designs are often used to establish causal relationships between variables.
• 😀 Non-experimental designs are useful for exploratory studies where the goal is not to manipulate or control variables.

Q & A

What are the three main types of research design discussed in the transcript?

The three main types of research design discussed are experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental.

What is a key feature of experimental studies?

A key feature of experimental studies is the manipulation of an independent variable and the use of random assignment.

How does a quasi-experimental design differ from an experimental design?

A quasi-experimental design still involves the manipulation of an independent variable, but it lacks random assignment, unlike an experimental design.

What is the defining characteristic of non-experimental designs?

Non-experimental designs do not involve any manipulation of variables or random assignment, often serving more as exploratory research.

Why is random assignment important in experimental designs?

Random assignment is important because it helps control for biases, ensuring that the groups being compared are similar at the start of the study.

In which research design type is random assignment absent?

Random assignment is absent in quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs.

What does the manipulation of an independent variable refer to in research design?

Manipulation of an independent variable refers to the researcher actively changing or controlling the variable to observe its effect on other variables.

Can a quasi-experimental design still provide valuable insights despite lacking random assignment?

Yes, although quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment, they can still provide valuable insights, particularly in situations where random assignment is not feasible or ethical.

What are the two distinguishing features used to compare experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs?

The two distinguishing features are independent variable manipulation and random assignment.

Why is it helpful to visualize how different types of research designs relate to each other?

Visualizing how different types of research designs relate to each other helps to clarify their distinctions, making it easier to understand when and how each design is used in research.