Practical Research 2

Lesson 3: Experimental Research

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Obtain a thorough or an in-depth understanding of

experimental research;
2. Justify the link between scientific thinking and
experimental thinking;
3. Identify the reasons behind the differences between
experimental research and quasi-experimental research;
4. Sequence the events to take place in any quasi-
experimental research.
 Activity 1: Image Intensifier

1. Name some famous and great inventions you have known

since birth.

2. What makes you say they are great?

3. How do you think did the inventors come to discover the

value or greatness of their creations?
 Definition of Experimental Research

• Experimental research is a quantitative research that treats

or deals with the object or subject of the research in a
definite or exact manner and determines the extent of the
effects or influence of the treatment on the object/subject,
then discovers the causes of such effects.
 Definition of Experimental Research

• Two groups are involved in any experimental research:

 experimental group - the one on which the treatment or

influence is applied
 control group - which does not received any treatment

• The objects or subjects involved are chosen randomly or

selected by chance, rather than by the decision of the
researcher.
 Classification

Experimental research is categorized into two:

true experimental research and quasi-experimental research.

Based on where the experimental research is done:

laboratory research or field research.

Your manner of selecting the participants indicates whether it

is true experimental or quasi-experimental.
 Classification

The true experimental research absolutely uses random

selection in determining who among the participants should
compose the experimental group or the control group.

The quasi-experimental research adopts a comparative

technique in choosing the subjects.
 Classification

The experimental group on which the treatment or condition is

applied is not chosen randomly, but matched or compared with
another group whom the researcher believe as having the same
characteristics as the experimental group under treatment.
 Classification

Employing researcher’s influence in sampling or subject

selection, quasi-experimental research fails to qualify as a
genuine experimental research.

Hence, discoveries or findings resulting from this kind of

experimental research are susceptible to doubts.*

* Sharp 2012; Gray 2013

 Research Design of Experimental Research

Any plan you have about a experimental research must have the
following aspects that take place in a sequential manner:

1. Specify the problem or topic of your research.

2. Formulate the research problem or hypotheses.

3. Determine the dependent and independent variables.

4. Select the participants or subject.

Research Design of Experimental Research

5. Decide on the specific type of experimental research;

meaning, whether it will be a true experimental or quasi-
experimental research.

6. Conduct the experiment.

7. Collect, analyze, and interpret the results.

Research Design of Experimental Research

In conducting an experimental research:

1. Give a pre-test to examine the initial condition of both
groups in relation to a variable, condition, or factor.
2. Apply to the experimental group a new condition.

3. Give the latter (experimental group) a post-test to

determine the effects or influence of the treatment or
condition applied on them.
Quasi-Experimental Research

Participants chosen in a quasi-experimental research are

those forming a class that remains as one group incapable of
disintegration.

The not randomly chosen participants are subject to any of

these types of quasi-experimental research:
1. Matched comparison
2. Time-series quasi-experimental research
3. Single-subject quasi-experimental research
Quasi-Experimental Research

1. Matched comparison – choosing a treatment group and

another group that has similarities with the treatment
group
2. Time-Series – giving them series of pre-test and post test

3. Single subject – controls treatment and condition applied

to just one individual or a group
 Experimental Research

In which field of knowledge does true experimental and quasi-

experimental research usually take place?
Experimental Research Quasi-Experimental Research
Physics Psychology
Chemistry Sociology
Biology Humanities
Pharmacy Literature
… and the like Education
subjects under Social Sciences
* Gray 2012; Laursen et al. 2010
Thank you for listening.
I hope your learn something.
Reference:
 Practical Research 2
Esther L. Baraceros (2016)
Rex Book Store, Inc.
 Research as Inquiry
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