Experimental Design in Research Methodology 

An Experimental Research design is a structure of rules and processes developed to perform experimental scientific research with two groups of factors. In this case, the first set of factors serves as a constant and calculates the differences between the second group. Quantitative research is an excellent illustration of experimental research techniques. Experimental research assists a researcher in gathering the required data for better research decisions and establishing a research study’s facts.

Importance of Experimental Research Design

To publish essential findings, a quality research design serves as the foundation for the research study. Furthermore, effective research design helps establish quality decision-making processes, structures the research to facilitate data analysis, and addresses the primary research question. As a result, it is critical to devote undivided attention and time to developing an experimental study plan before beginning the practical trial. By developing a research plan, a researcher allows themself time to organize the research, establish appropriate boundaries for the study, and improve the reliability of the findings. All of these attempts could also help to prevent inconclusive results. If any aspect of the study design is flawed, the quality of the conclusions will decline.

Types of Experimental Research Designs

Experimental study designs are classified into three types based on the methods employed to collect data in experimental studies:

1. Pre-experimental Research Design

A research study could use a pre-experimental research design when observing a group or groups after applying the research’s cause and effect variables. The pre-experimental design will assist researchers in determining whether additional study is required for the groups under observation. Pre-experimental research is of three types —

• Research Plan for a Single Case Study
• Pretest-posttest Study Method with a Single Group
• Evaluation of static groups

2. True Experimental Research Design

An accurate experimental research plan depends on statistical analysis to support or disprove a researcher’s theory. It is one of the most accurate types of study because it gives particular scientific evidence. Furthermore, only a proper experimental design can demonstrate a cause-effect connection within a group. However, in an actual experiment, a scholar must meet these three criteria—

• There will be a control group that will not be affected by the changes and a study group that will be affected by the changes.
• A characteristic that the scholar has control over.
• Variables are distributed at random.
• This type of experimental study is prevalent in the physical sciences.

3. Quasi-experimental Research Design

The term “Quasi” refers to resemblance. A quasi-experimental design is comparable to a natural experimental design in many ways. The designation of the control group, however, distinguishes the two. An independent variable is manipulated in this study method, but group participants are not allocated at random. This study method is used in outdoor situations where random assignment is unnecessary or irrelevant.

Conclusion

Experimental research is frequently the ultimate form of a study carried out during the research process that is thought to provide clear and particular findings. However, it is not intended for all studies. It requires significant resources, time, and money and is difficult to carry out unless a solid study base is established. However, Pubrica provides its most clear findings in the scientific method, and it is extensively used in research institutes and business sectors.