What are quasi-experimental designs and how do they differ from true experiments?

What are quasi-experimental designs and how do they differ from true experiments?

Quasi-experimental designs are research methods that aim to evaluate interventions without random assignment. Unlike true experiments, where participants are randomly assigned to groups, quasi-experiments use existing groups or conditions, making them more practical in real-world settings.

Can you give me an example of a quasi-experimental design?

Sure! An example would be a study evaluating the impact of a new teaching method in two different schools. One school uses the new method while the other continues with the traditional approach. Researchers compare the outcomes without random assignment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using quasi-experimental designs?

Advantages include practicality and ethical considerations, as random assignment may not be feasible. Disadvantages involve potential biases and confounding variables that can affect the validity of the results.

How can I ensure the validity of my quasi-experimental study?

To enhance validity, you can use matching techniques to create comparable groups, control for confounding variables, and apply statistical methods to adjust for biases.