- List the five criteria for establishing a causal relationship.
- Explain the meaning of the expression “correlation does not prove causation.”
- Compare the difference between an independent and a dependent variable and understand their function in an experiment.
- List the essential components of a true experimental research design.
- Distinguish the concepts of random assignment (randomization) and random sampling.
- Identify the two major types of quasi-experimental design and explain why they are considered to be “quasi” experimental.
- Define “ex post facto control group design” and explain why it is not considered to be experimental or quasi-experimental.
- Discuss the influences on external validity (generalizability) in experimental design and those on internal validity (causal validity).
- Explain the role of process analysis in experimental research.
- Discuss the most distinctive ethical challenges in experimental research.
