7.1.4.4 Quasi-Experiments

• What is a key limitation of quasi-experiments?

  You can't control group assignments
• How are participants grouped in quasi-experiments?

  Based on existing characteristics, not randomly
• What are quasi-experiments?

  Research studies with non-random participant grouping
• In what scenario would a quasi-experiment be useful?

  Studying school performance without random assignment
• What should researchers be aware of when conducting quasi-experiments?

  Other factors may affect the results
• What are the key differences between Experimental and Non-Experimental Research?

  Experimental Research:

  • Determines cause and effect
  • Manipulates variable(s)
  • Uses random assignment
  • High in internal validity

  
  

  Non-Experimental Research:

  • Observes and interprets variables that can't be manipulated
  • Describes differences measured
  • High in external validity
• What are the two main types of research strategies described in the image?

  • Experimental Research
  • Non-Experimental Research
• What are the two main goals of Non-Experimental Research?

  • Describe studies variables that can't be manipulated
  • Interpret differences measured
• What are the two main goals of Experimental Research?

  • Determine cause and effect
  • Predict quantitative differences created
• What is the key difference in internal validity between Experimental and Non-Experimental Research?

  Experimental Research is high in internal validity, while Non-Experimental Research is high in external validity
• What is a key feature of experimental research regarding participant assignment?

  Random assignment to groups
• How are participants assigned in quasi-experiments?

  Pre-existing groups
• What does the researcher do in experimental research regarding variable control?

  Researcher manipulates the independent variable
• What can experimental research establish regarding cause and effect?

  Can establish direct relationships
• What type of setting do quasi-experiments typically use?

  Real-world settings
• What type of setting is typically used in experimental research?

  Lab-based settings
• What is a limitation of quasi-experiments in terms of causation?

  Can't prove causation
• How is variable control handled in quasi-experiments?

  Natural manipulation of variables
• What is one advantage of quasi-experiments?

  Real-world relevance
• Why are quasi-experiments considered to have real-world relevance?

  They study actual situations, making findings relatable
• Why are quasi-experiments useful?

  They allow study of effects without random assignment
• What are the main differences between experimental research and quasi-experiments?

  • Participant Assignment: Random vs. pre-existing groups
  • Variable Control: Researcher manipulation vs. natural manipulation
  • Cause & Effect: Direct relationships vs. no causation proof
  • Setting: Lab-based vs. real-world settings
• What impact do extraneous factors have on quasi-experiment results?

  They can impact results negatively
• What are common uses of quasi-experiments?

  • Impact of new teaching methods on classes
  • Differences between disaster-experienced and non-experienced individuals
• What are quasi-experiments used for?

  Studying real-world situations without random assignment
• What is a key feature of the Regression Discontinuity Design?

  Participants are assigned based on a cutoff score
• What is a convenience of quasi-experiments?

  Easier to conduct than true experiments
• How do quasi-experiments differ from traditional experiments?

  Quasi-experiments lack random assignment of participants
• What is the Nonequivalent Groups Design in quasi-experimental research?

  • Compares two groups
  • No random assignment
  • Example: Studying schools before and after a new policy
• Why are ethical considerations crucial in quasi-experiments?

  They involve natural settings and pre-existing groups
• What is a challenge in obtaining informed consent in quasi-experiments?

  Participants may not realize they're part of a study
• How do the ethical considerations in quasi-experiments differ from those in randomized controlled trials?

  Quasi-experiments have more challenges with informed consent and privacy due to the natural setting
• What is the Pre-Post Design in quasi-experimental research?

  • Measures a group before and after an intervention
  • Example: Assessing a class's test scores before and after a new teaching method
• Which design would be best for monitoring hospital admissions over several months?

  Time Series Design
• If you wanted to compare students just above and below a qualification cutoff, which design would you use?

  Regression Discontinuity Design
• What are the advantages and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Advantages:

  • Real-world relevance
  • Convenience in conducting
  • Ethical considerations for sensitive topics

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Lack of random assignment
  • Less control over extraneous factors
  • Validity issues due to potential bias
• Why is getting informed consent tricky in quasi-experiments?

  Because participants might not always realize they are part of a study
• What is essential for clear communication in quasi-experiments?

  Research goals and participants' rights must be explained
• Why is protecting participant privacy important in quasi-experiments?

  To keep personal data confidential and anonymized whenever possible
• What is a limitation of quasi-experiments regarding random assignment?

  Lack of random assignment