8 Predominant Advantages and Disadvantages of Experimental Research
Experimental research is a research design that many researchers use to test their hypothesis on any given subject. It means that one or more of the variables involved are controlled or changed in order to reach a conclusion. It is commonly used because the data that is concluded is fairly valid and objective, making it very applicable to the hypothesis being tested. There are many great reasons to use an experimental research design, but a few reasons to steer clear as well. It all truly depends on what is being tested. Let’s take a deeper look in the experimental research design.
Advantages of Experimental Research
1. Variables Are Controlled
One of the strongest points of experimental research is the fact that the researcher can control the variable that is being tested, and even those that are not. This provides more valid and accurate results.
2. Determine Cause and Effect
Since you have control over all variables, you can easily use the data you collect to determine the true cause and effect of each one. This is highly valuable for any type of research being done.
3. Easily Replicated
In many cases multiple studies must be performed to gain truly accurate results and draw valid conclusions. Experimental research designs can easily be done again and again, and since all control over the variables is had, you can make it nearly identical to the ones before it.
4. Best Results
Having control over the entire experiment and being able to provide in depth analysis of the hypothesis and data collected, makes experimental research one of the best options. The conclusions that are met are deemed highly valid, and on top of everything, the experiment can be done again and again to prove validity.
Disadvantages of Experimental Research
1. Not Real Life Situations
One of the biggest flaws that critics argue about experimental research is that it doesn’t apply to real life, everyday situations. The situations are completely artificial and are very unlikely to occur in the real world.
2. Limited Behaviors
When people are part of an experiment, especially one where variables are controlled so precisely, the subjects of the experiment may not give the most accurate reactions. Their normal behaviors are limited because of the experiment environment.
3. It’s Impossible To Control It All
While the majority of the variables in an experimental research design are controlled by the researchers, it is absolutely impossible to control each and every one. Things from mood, events that happened in the subject’s earlier day, and many other things can affect the outcome and results of the experiment.
4. Human Errors
Much of the validity of an experiment is compromised by the researchers who are conducting it. Since an experimental research design is very fully controlled by humans, there is a lot of room for error. Even the smallest flaw in the experiment or it’s set up can completely ruin the data and make any conclusions obsolete.
