PSYC 2400 Lecture 1: PSYC 2202 Lecture 1
12 Sep 2015
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Document Summary
Experimental research is when a researcher is able to manipulate the predictor variable and subjects to identify a cause-and-effect relationship. A laboratory-based experiment gives a high level of control and reliability. Non-experimental research is the label given to a study when a researcher cannot control, manipulate or alter the predictor variable or subjects, but instead, relies on interpretation, observation or interactions to come to a conclusion. Typically, this means the non- experimental researcher must rely on correlations, surveys or case studies, and cannot demonstrate a true cause-and-effect relationship. Non-experimental research tends to have a high level of external validity, meaning it can be generalized to a larger population. The ability to find a cause-and-effect relationship is kind of a big deal in the world of science! Being able to say x causes y is something that has a lot of power. While non- experimental research can come close, non-experimental researchers cannot say with absolute certainty that x leads to y.
