Experiments and Quasi-Experiments
An experiment always starts with a question. An experimenter is searching for an answer. Sometimes, they have a prediction for the answer, called the hypothesis. The experimenter will manipulate a variable in order to try to reach a conclusion. Throughout the experiment, the hypothesis may be changed and sometimes, a definite conclusion is not reached. It can take many experiments and tests in order for experimenters to make a conclusion. The more tests and experiments conducted with the same conclusion, the more likely it is that the conclusion is one of value.
Experiments usually have participants randomly assigned to each group. Groups will have a different characteristic that the experimenter is trying to measure. In a quasi-experiment, I believe that the grouping is not random. The experimenter may place people in groups in order to make groups statistically even.
I wonder if experiments or quasi-experiments are better to use when conducting an experiment on an educational issue. I see the advantage of having the groups more "even" so possibly get a more trusted result.
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