Experimental Research

Experimental research design is a scientific approach in which researchers introduce a variable to study its effect on an outcome. Unlike observational research, which only observes the effect of a variable already present, experimental research aims to control the variables involved. It typically involves randomization and a control group to ensure unbiased results and can help establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Quasi-experimental research, on the other hand, lacks randomization and may have limited control over the variables. Some synonyms for experimental research design include randomized controlled trials, intervention studies, and laboratory experiments. Related glossary terms include independent variable, dependent variable, control group, and randomization.

Experimental Research

Experimental Research - Studies in which the researchers introduce the variable to be studied, with the intent of observing the outcome. This is different than observational research which observes the effect of a variable already present. Many texts also assert that experimental research should include randomization and ideally a control group, as is seen in randomized control trials. Studies in which the variable is introduced by the researchers, but participants are not randomized may be considered quasi-experimental research.

In this study by Esformes, the experimental variable was squat depth and the outcome measures observed were various performance measures related to power (1).

Esformes, J., & Bampouras, T. (2013). Effect of back squat depth on lower-body postactivation potentiation. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(11), 2997-3000.

Experimental Research

Experimental Research

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