Experimental and Non-Experimental Research
Complete the worksheet to analyze experiments and research questions to determine if they are good candidates to become experimental and non-experimental research studies.
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Introduction
Assessment 3 introduces you to two major approaches used in psychological research: experimental and non-experimental designs. Experimental research focuses on determining cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating an independent variable and controlling extraneous factors. This method allows psychologists to test whether one variable directly influences another, making experiments a powerful tool across fields such as clinical practice, education, and organizational psychology. In contrast, non-experimental research involves observing and measuring variables as they naturally occur. These methods are used when manipulation is not possible, practical, or ethical, and they help researchers describe characteristics, identify relationships, and explore lived experiences.
Whether you pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce after your degree, the ability to interpret research is essential. Experiments help you understand when a strategy truly causes an outcome, while non-experimental research helps you recognize patterns, associations, and experiences that inform decision-making. These skills are valuable in counseling, education, business, human services, and any field that relies on evidence-based practice. By developing a strong foundation in research design, you will be better prepared to evaluate information, make informed professional decisions, and contribute to practices supported by data.
Overview
For Assessment 3, you will complete a two-part worksheet. Part A focuses on experimental research. Part B focuses on non-experimental research.
Instructions
Complete and submit the Assessment 3 Template [DOCX]. The worksheet provides detailed instructions. Pay special attention to the citation requirements for each part of the assessment.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
- Competency 1: Analyze psychological research studies using appropriate research methods terminology.
- Describe how the experiment could be modified to reduce the ethical risk while still answering the research question, using research methods terminology.
- Determine if an experimental study would be possible for a selected research question.
- Design a non-experimental research study that would address the research question.
- Competency 3: Analyze ethical principles in psychological research studies.
- Analyze an applicable ethical concern in a psychological experiment.
- Analyze whether an experimental study would be ethical for a selected research question.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Apply correct APA Style for the minimum number of in-text citations and references.
- Demonstrate good scholarly writing skills with minimal errors.Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.Collapse All
Readings and APA Terminology to Know
ReadingsRead this article first. It will be featured in Chapter 5 of our textbook and in this assessment:- Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377–383.
- Read Chapter 5, “Experimental Research,” pages 80–103.
- Read Chapter 6, “Non-Experimental Research,” pages 104–119.
APA Dictionary of Psychology
The American Psychological Association (APA) has the APA Dictionary of Psychology, a free online dictionary where they provide definitions of psychological terms, including terms related to psychological research methods.Review the following definitions:- Experiment.
- Experimental research.
- Condition.
- Level.
- Control.
- Extraneous variable.
- Manipulation.
- Confound.
- Treatment.
- No-treatment control group.
- Placebo.
- Placebo effect.
- Nocebo.
- Wait-list control group.
- Between-subjects design.
- Within-subjects design.
- Random assignment.
- Block randomization.
- Matched-pairs design.
- Order effect.
- Carryover effect.
- Practice effect.
- Fatigue effect.
- Counterbalancing.
- Complete counterbalancing.
- Latin square.
- Internal validity.
- External validity.
- Mundane realism.
- Construct validity.
- Power analysis.
- Experimenter expectancy effect.
- Blind.
- Manipulation check.
- Pilot study.
- Correlational research.
- Observational study.
- Cross-sectional design.
- Cohort effect.
- Longitudinal design.
- Cross-sequential design.
- Qualitative research.
- Thematic analysis.
- Conversation analysis.
- Internal validity.
- Interview.
- Focus group.
- Mixed methods research.
- Sequential design.
- Triangulation.
- Naturalistic observation.
- Reactivity.
- Hawthorne effect.
- Participant observation.
- Structured observation.
- Archival research.
- Content analysis.
Writing and Research Resources
Capella University Library Guide
For this assessment, you will need to cite scholarly sources. This research guide is a good resource with tips for how to conduct a library search for scholarly articles:APA Style Review
Many of the assessments in this course will require you to cite your sources in APA style. This includes both in-text citations and a formal references list. Below are some helpful resources for each.In-Text Citations
- Check out In-Text Citation from the Capella Writing Center.
- Check out In-Text Citations from APA Style.
Reference Page
- Check out Reference Page from the Capella Writing Center.
- Check out Reference List Setup from APA Style.