Unit 2961: Experimental Design

1. Introduction to Experimental Design

• Definition and purpose of experimental design
• Key terms:
  • Independent variables
  • Dependent variables
  • Control groups
  • Experimental groups
• Importance of experimental design in research

2. Types of Experimental Designs

• Between-subjects designs
  • Definition and structure
  • Advantages and limitations
• Within-subjects designs
  • Definition and structure
  • Advantages and limitations
• Mixed designs
  • Combination of between- and within-subjects
  • Advantages and limitations

3. Variables in Experimental Design

• Independent variables: manipulation and examples
• Dependent variables: measurement and examples
• Extraneous variables: identification and control
• Strategies to control variables (e.g., standardization, counterbalancing)

4. Randomization and Control in Experiments

• Importance of randomization to reduce bias
• Random assignment techniques
• Control procedures:
  • Use of control groups
  • Placebo controls
  • Blinding and double-blinding

5. Experimental Design Ethics

• Ethical principles in research:
  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Minimizing harm and risk
• Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and ethics committees
• Ethical dilemmas and case examples

6. Sampling Techniques in Experimental Design

• Random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Convenience sampling
• Impact of sampling methods on generalizability and validity

7. Experimental Design Validity

• Internal validity:
  • Threats and controls
• External validity:
  • Generalizability considerations
• Construct validity:
  • Ensuring accurate measurement of variables
• Statistical conclusion validity:
  • Appropriate data analysis and interpretation

8. Statistical Analysis in Experimental Design

• Introduction to statistical methods:
  • t-tests (independent and paired)
  • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
  • Regression analysis basics
• Interpreting statistical results
• Reporting findings

9. Experimental Design Case Studies

• Analysis of selected real-world experiments
• Identification of design elements and variables
• Discussion of challenges and solutions
• Interpretation of results and conclusions

10. Experimental Design Applications

• Applications in Psychology
• Applications in Biology
• Applications in Social Sciences
• Using experimental design to answer research questions and advance knowledge