Which of the following research designs lacks randomization but influences the variables?
- AOption (a)
True experiment
- BOption (b)
Representative
- COption (c)
Longitudinal
- DOption (d)
Quasi-experimental
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Correct answer
Quasi-experimental
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is - Quasi-experimental
Key Points
- Quasi-experimental
- Unlike a true experiment, a quasi-experimental design does not involve random assignment of participants to groups.
- It is used when randomization is not feasible due to practical or ethical constraints.
- Despite the lack of randomization, it actively manipulates one or more independent variables to observe their effects on dependent variables.
- It is commonly employed in fields like education, psychology, and public health where random assignment is challenging.
Additional Information
- True Experiment
- In a true experimental design, participants are randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.
- This ensures high internal validity by minimizing biases and confounding variables.
- It is considered the gold standard for establishing causal relationships.
- Longitudinal Design
- This design involves repeated observations of the same variables over an extended period.
- It is ideal for studying trends, developments, or long-term effects.
- Unlike quasi-experiments, it does not necessarily manipulate variables.
- Representative Design
- This design focuses on ensuring that the sample population is a representative subset of the target population.
- Its primary goal is to improve the external validity of the research findings.
- It does not inherently involve manipulation of variables.