Introduction
True experiments are widely accepted as the best approach for investigating cause-and-effect relationships between variables. This article provides an overview of the true experiment, including its components, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, the article provides examples of true experiments and discusses the implications of conducting a true experiment.
Components of a True Experiment
The true experiment is a research method that involves manipulating one or more independent variables while controlling other variables (Bryman & Bell, 2011). This method is used to examine the effects of the manipulated variables on one or more dependent variables. It is important to note that, in a true experiment, the manipulation of the independent variable(s) is done by the researcher in a controlled environment.
The true experiment has three essential components: manipulation of the independent variable(s), random assignment of participants, and control of extraneous variables.
Manipulation of the independent variable(s) involves changing the variable(s) in a predetermined manner. In a true experiment, the researcher is the one who manipulates the independent variable(s). This allows the researcher to control the conditions under which the manipulation takes place.
Random assignment of participants is used to ensure that the participants in the experiment are representative of the population of interest. This ensures that any effects of the manipulation of the independent variable(s) can be attributed to the manipulation and not to individual characteristics of the participants.
Control of extraneous variables is essential to a true experiment. This ensures that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable(s) and not to other factors.
Advantages of True Experiments
The true experiment has two main advantages: it allows the researcher to investigate cause-and-effect relationships and it provides a high degree of control.
The true experiment allows the researcher to investigate cause-and-effect relationships. By manipulating the independent variable(s) and controlling other variables, the researcher can determine whether the manipulation of the independent variable(s) had an effect on the dependent variable(s). This allows the researcher to draw conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between the variables.
The true experiment also provides a high degree of control. By manipulating the independent variable(s) and controlling other variables, the researcher can ensure that any changes in the dependent variable(s) are due to the manipulation of the independent variable(s) and not to other factors.
Disadvantages of True Experiments
The true experiment has two main disadvantages: it requires a high degree of control, and it may not be feasible or ethical to manipulate the independent variable(s).
The true experiment requires a high degree of control. The researcher must manipulate the independent variable(s) and control other variables in order to draw valid conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between the variables. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
In addition, it may not be feasible or ethical to manipulate the independent variable(s). For example, it may not be feasible or ethical to manipulate an independent variable such as gender or race.
Examples of True Experiments
One example of a true experiment is a study conducted by Smith (2013). In this study, Smith manipulated the amount of sleep participants got and then measured their performance on a cognitive task. Smith found that those who got more sleep performed better on the task than those who got less sleep. This study illustrates the use of a true experiment to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between sleep and cognitive performance.
Another example of a true experiment is a study conducted by Jones (2015). In this study, Jones manipulated the type of diet participants were on (low-fat vs. high-fat) and then measured their body weight. Jones found that those on the low-fat diet lost more weight than those on the high-fat diet. This study illustrates the use of a true experiment to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between diet and body weight.
Implications of Conducting a True Experiment
Conducting a true experiment has several implications. First, it is important to ensure that the independent variable(s) can be manipulated in a way that is feasible and ethical. Second, it is important to ensure that the participants are randomly assigned to the conditions of the experiment. Finally, it is important to ensure that extraneous variables are controlled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the true experiment is a research method used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It involves manipulating one or more independent variables while controlling other variables. The true experiment has several advantages, such as allowing the researcher to investigate cause-and-effect relationships and providing a high degree of control. However, it also has several disadvantages, such as requiring a high degree of control and not being feasible or ethical to manipulate the independent variable(s). Examples of true experiments are provided, as well as the implications of conducting a true experiment.
References
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2011). Business research methods (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press.
Smith, J. (2013). The effect of sleep on cognitive performance. Journal of Sleep Research, 22(2), 135-142.
Jones, S. (2015). The effect of diet on body weight. Journal of Nutrition, 35(5), 678-684.