Quasi experiments resemble quantitative and qualitative experiments, but lack random allocation of groups or proper controls, so firm statistical analysis can be very difficult.

The greatest advantages of quasi-experimental studies are that they are less expensive and require fewer resources compared with individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cluster randomized trials.

Quasi-experimental research designs, like experimental designs, test causal hypotheses. A quasi-experimental design by definition lacks random assignment. Quasi-experimental designs identify a comparison group that is as similar as possible to the treatment group in terms of baseline (pre-intervention) characteristics.

There are four main types of Quantitative research: Descriptive, Correlational, Causal-Comparative/Quasi-Experimental, and Experimental Research. attempts to establish cause- effect relationships among the variables. These types of design are very similar to true experiments, but with some key differences.

True experiments have four elements: manipulation, control , random assignment, and random selection. The most important of these elements are manipulation and control.

The five components of the scientific method are: observations, questions, hypothesis, methods and results. Following the scientific method procedure not only ensures that the experiment can be repeated by other researchers, but also that the results garnered can be accepted.

The scientific method has five basic steps, plus one feedback step:

• Make an observation.
• Ask a question.
• Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.
• Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
• Test the prediction.
• Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.

The Six Steps

• Purpose/Question. Ask a question.
• Research. Conduct background research.
• Hypothesis. Propose a hypothesis.
• Experiment. Design and perform an experiment to test your hypothesis.
• Data/Analysis. Record observations and analyze the meaning of the data.
• Conclusion.

In an experiment, an independent variable (the cause) is manipulated and the dependent variable (the effect) is measured; any extraneous variables are controlled. An advantage is that experiments should be objective. The views and opinions of the researcher should not affect the results of a study.

How to encourage people to participate in your study

1. Run a competition or prize draw.
2. Find participants who are engaged, and keep them that way!
3. Make sure your study is inviting.
4. Use a recruitment service.
5. Reach out to local businesses.
6. Hang around your campus cafe.

Ask conference attendees. Recruit to a pool of people who generally wish to participate in research (AKA, a user group, council, or panel), then from it per specific research study. Ask participants you find to refer friends or colleagues. Tap into regular feedback surveys you or your clients send to their customers.

Sites:

• The social psychology network has a page for posting online social psychology studies.
• SampleSize Subreddit is a community dedicated to completing surveys.
• Psychology Research on the Net is a site maintained by Dr John H.

A research subject is an individual that participates in research. Information (or ‘data’) is collected from or about the individual to help answer the question under study. Sometimes research subjects are referred to as human subjects, research participants or study volunteers.

While research “subject” is the more traditional of the two terms, there has been a shift over the past 25 years or so to use research “participant” when referring to individuals who take part in research, because, many argue, it is more respectful of research volunteers.

Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct studies and research in psychology. The basic process of conducting psychology research involves asking a question, designing a study, collecting data, analyzing results, reaching conclusions, and sharing the findings.