Question

What makes this a quasi-experimental design?

1) There are two independent variables.
2) There is no operational definition for the dependent variable.
3) You cannot be both a Conservative and a Liberal at the same time.
4) The researcher is comparing pre-existing groups, rather than randomly assigning people to them.

Answer 1

A quasi-experimental design is characterized by the comparison of pre-existing groups rather than random assignment, limiting the ability to infer causation due to potential confounding variables.

Step-by-step explanation:

What makes this a quasi-experimental design is option 4) The researcher is comparing pre-existing groups, rather than randomly assigning people to them. In an ideal experimental design, subjects are randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to eliminate the influence of confounding or lurking variables. However, in some research scenarios, it is neither ethical nor possible to manipulate an independent variable or randomly assign participants. Therefore, researchers compare pre-existing groups that differ on certain characteristics, and although this allows for the observation of effects, it does not permit strong cause-and-effect conclusions due to the potential for other variables influencing the results.