Experimental Research Questions Medium
Experimental research and non-experimental research are two distinct approaches used in the field of political science to study and analyze phenomena. The main difference between these two types of research lies in the level of control the researcher has over the variables being studied.
Experimental research involves the manipulation of variables in a controlled setting to determine cause-and-effect relationships. In this approach, the researcher actively intervenes and manipulates one or more independent variables to observe their impact on the dependent variable. The researcher randomly assigns participants to different groups, such as a control group and an experimental group, and applies a treatment or intervention to the experimental group while keeping the control group unchanged. By comparing the outcomes of the two groups, researchers can determine the causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Experimental research allows for a high level of control and precision, making it a powerful tool for establishing causal relationships.
On the other hand, non-experimental research does not involve the manipulation of variables. Instead, it focuses on observing and analyzing existing data or phenomena without any intervention or control by the researcher. Non-experimental research relies on naturally occurring events, surveys, interviews, or archival data to gather information. Researchers in non-experimental studies do not have control over the independent variables, as they are not manipulated. Instead, they observe and analyze the relationships between variables as they naturally occur. Non-experimental research is often used when it is not feasible or ethical to manipulate variables, or when studying phenomena that cannot be controlled, such as historical events or public opinion.
In summary, experimental research involves the manipulation of variables in a controlled setting to establish cause-and-effect relationships, while non-experimental research focuses on observing and analyzing existing data or phenomena without intervention or control. Both approaches have their strengths and limitations, and the choice between them depends on the research question, feasibility, and ethical considerations.