Author Question: Describe the similarities and differences between experiments and nonexperiments or ... (Read 109 times)

SO00 · **on:** Jun 19, 2018

Describe the similarities and differences between experiments and nonexperiments or quasi-experiments.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What social threat to internal validity occurs because a comparison group learns about the program either directly or indirectly from program group participants?

a. diffusion of treatment
b. compensatory rivalry
c. resentful demoralization
d. compensatory equalization

ebenov · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Nonexperimental and quasi-experimental studies are similar to experiments in terms of their general structure. Nonexperiments and quasi-experiments, like experiments, involve comparing groups of scores. However, only in an experiment does a researcher create treatment conditions by manipulating an independent variable. Although nonexperiments and quasi-experiments resemble experiments, they contain a confounding variable or other threat to internal validity that is an integral part of the design. Therefore, these studies cannot establish unambiguous cause and effect relationships.

Answer to Question 2

a