Which of the following is true regarding the difference between a non-experimental design and an experimental design?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When contrasting non-experimental and experimental designs, the core distinction centers on causality and control over variables.
Option 1: 'In a non-experimental design participants are randomly assigned to different orders of the conditions, while in an experimental design participants are randomly assigned to the control or experimental condition' This statement describes counterbalancing and random assignment often used in experiments, not a general difference between non-experimental and experimental designs. In non-experimental designs, participants are typically not randomly assigned to conditions at all, so this option mischaracterizes the everyday setup of non-experimental studies.
Option 2: 'In a non-experimental design the direction of causality is not clear, while in an experimental design it is easier to draw conclusions about causality' This captures a central methodological distinction. Non-experimental designs (e.g., correlational studies, observational designs) cannot establish causality with confidence because of potential third variables and lack of random assignment. Experimental designs involve manipulation and random assignment, which helps control confounds and supports stronger causal inferences, making causality easier to infer.
Option 3: 'In a non-experimental design all factors are held constant other than the manipulated variable(s), while in an experimental design only the dependent variable are experimentally manipulated and standardized' This is inaccurate. In experimental designs, researchers manipulate the independent variable and attempt to hold other factors constant (control for confounds) to isolate effects. In non-experimental designs there is usually no manipulation of variables and many factors may vary, not held constant.
Option 4: 'In a non-experimental design it is easier to eliminate alternative explanation on the relationship between the variables, compared to an experimental design' This is generally false. Non-experimental designs inherently face greater challenges in ruling out alternative explanations due to lack of randomization and control over extraneous variables; experimental designs are designed to minimize such alternatives through control and manipulation.

In summary, Option 2 aligns with the fundamental difference: non-experimental studies struggle with causal direction and confounds, whereas experimental designs provide stronger grounds for causal conclusions due to manipulation and random assignment. The other options describe scenarios or claims that do not accurately reflect the typical features of non-experimental versus experimental designs, leading to misinterpretations about randomization, control, and the ability to infer causality.

2025/26/1 PSYB19-104 1 - Basics of Research Methods Exam (16 December, 11:00)

Which of the following is true regarding the difference between a non-experimental design and an experimental design?

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