Experimentation And Other Research Designs - 2140 Words

The most basic difference between experimentation and other research designs is that experimentation seeks to determine what might happen if certain variables in a given situation are changed. According to Cooper and Schindler (2014), experimentation requires that a researcher â€Å"accept the world as it is found† (p. 192). In other words, a researcher conducting experimentation is not seeking to determine a causal link between events and outcomes; rather, the experimenter seeks to determine what may happen if some variable in the chain of events is altered. Unlike ex-post facto research, which asks questions after an event occurs to determine â€Å"what is or what has been† (Cooper Schindler, 2014, p. 192), experimental research manipulates†¦show more content†¦While the correlation between a cause and its effects may seem apparent, often too many different factors must be considered. Through experimentation, more accurate correlations may be made to determine a cause. This aspect of experimental research makes it somewhat superior to other forms of research (Rutter, 2007). Another advantageous characteristic of experimental research is the possibility of replication. In most research applications, too many variables may pollute a given situation and increase the difficulty with which to adequately make initial observations. Experimental research is more easily contained to the desired set of variables, and as such experiments can be replicated to further test hypotheses. Reproducing an experiment is much easier th an conducting additional research by other means (Fagaras, Kovacs, Oros, Rafaila, Topa Harrant, 2013). The use of experimentation is not necessarily a biblical concept. However, the Bible provides guidance in all areas of life. As such, truths spoken for certain purposes can be applied to other areas in many cases. For instance, in 1 John 4:1 (English Standard Version), we are instructed to â€Å"not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.† While this relates more to our Christian lives, we can apply this idea to experimental research. In using experiments, we are testing different variables to determine whether or not they are related to a