experimental research

research utilizing randomized assignment of participants to conditions and systematic manipulation of variables with the objective of drawing causal inference. It is generally conducted within a laboratory or other controlled environment, which in reducing the potential influence of extraneous factors increases internal validity but decreases external validity. Compare correlational research; field research; quasi-experimental research.

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Psychology term of the day

February 16th 2025

multiple comparison test

any of various statistical procedures used to follow up on a significant result from an analysis of variance by determining which groups in particular differ in their mean values. Examples include Duncan’s multiple range test, the Fisher least significant difference test, the REGWQ test, the Scheffé test, and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. See also post hoc comparison.