Question

Strengths of experimental study designs include?

1) Control over variables
2) Ability to establish cause and effect relationships
3) Random assignment of participants
4) High internal validity

Answer 1

Experimental study designs are known for their control over variables, ability to establish cause and effect, random assignment to reduce bias, and high internal validity. These aspects enable researchers to assert that observed effects are due to the manipulation of the independent variable, securing more reliable and definitive conclusions in psychological studies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Strengths of experimental study designs include:

1. Control over variables: This allows researchers to manipulate the independent variable and control for extraneous variables, increasing the likelihood that observed effects are due to the manipulation.
2. Ability to establish cause and effect relationships: Experiments can show that changes in the independent variable cause changes in the dependent variable, allowing for causal inferences.
3. Random assignment of participants: This reduces the risk that group differences are due to variables other than the independent variable.
4. High internal validity: The controlled environment of an experiment increases the likelihood that the results are due to the experimental manipulation rather than other factors.

Experimental research in fields like psychology benefit greatly from these strengths, which allow researchers to make informed and credible causal statements about the variables under investigation.