Describe and evaluate the characteristics of true experimental research designs. Indicate why true experiments are described as the “gold standard” of experimental research designs.
Assess the criteria for establishing a causal relationship among variables. Identify how these criteria are related to true experiments.
Describe internal validity and external validity, and compare the two. Identify why internal and external validity are important considerations in experimental research.
Compare the true experimental, preexperimental, quasi-experimental, and natural experimental designs. Identify important ways they differ and what that means about claims of causality.
Explain and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type of experimental design and internal and external validity threats of each.
Explicate the role that ethics play in conducting experimental research. What elements of ethics are most important to consider in conducting experimental research.