What is the difference between experimental and non-experimental research methods?

Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. Non-experimental research does not involve manipulation of variables.

Experimental research is a scientific method that involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable. The researcher controls all other variables to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the manipulation of the independent variable. This type of research is often conducted in a laboratory setting and is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Examples of experimental research include drug trials, psychological experiments, and studies on the effects of different teaching methods.

Non-experimental research, on the other hand, does not involve manipulation of variables. Instead, the researcher observes and measures variables as they occur naturally. This type of research is often used in situations where it is not possible or ethical to manipulate variables. Examples of non-experimental research include surveys, case studies, and observational studies.

While experimental research is considered to be the gold standard in scientific research, non-experimental research can still be useful in certain situations. For example, non-experimental research can be used to gather information about a particular phenomenon, to describe a population or to explore the relationship between variables. However, non-experimental research cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables, and its findings should be interpreted with caution.