Learning Objectives

  • 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.