Quasi-experimental design is a research methodology that seeks to establish a cause-and-effect relationship by comparing groups that are not randomly assigned. It is often used in situations where random assignment is impractical or unethical, relying on pre-existing groups to infer causal relationships with caution due to potential confounding variables.

Quasi-experimental Design

Quasi-experimental design

Research methodology refers to the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, encompassing the principles, procedures, and techniques used to collect and analyze information. It provides a framework for the research process, ensuring the validity, reliability, and accuracy of the findings while aligning with the research objectives.

research methodology

cause-and-effect relationship

comparing groups

not randomly assigned

Random assignment is a fundamental technique in experimental research that ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group, thereby minimizing selection bias and enhancing the validity of causal inferences. This process helps to evenly distribute potential confounding variables across treatment groups, ensuring that observed effects are due to the treatment itself rather than pre-existing differences between groups.

random assignment

impractical or unethical

pre-existing groups

infer causal relationships

Confounding variables are extraneous variables that correlate with both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to a false inference about the relationship between them. Properly identifying and controlling for confounders is crucial in research to ensure that the observed effects are genuinely due to the independent variable and not influenced by these hidden factors.

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