Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Research Approaches

Main Difference The two are distinguished based on whether there is a direct manipulation or control of variables. In a nonexperimental approach (e.g., observation or survey studies), variables are observed or measured as they occur naturally. In the experimental approach, one variable (independent variable-IV) is manipulated, and then, the other variable (dependent variable-DV) is interested … Read more

Basic Concepts of Measurement (5 min.)

Variable Construct Values & Scores Measurement & Operational Definition Comprehensive Example Summarizing Above Concepts Measurement Scale: Nominal (Categorical), Ordinal (Rank-Order), (Equal-) Interval, and Ratio Variable Variable: Any characteristic of people or things you (researchers) are interested in. For example, height or intelligence of people. [Star Q] “Why is it called a variable? Because it …” … Read more