INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this work is to make known the importance of experimental research since
this constitutes a fundamental and necessary aspect in the scientific process.

The importance of using an adequate experimental design in scientific research has been
pointed out by numerous researchers. However, these researchers have not yet been able to
agree on an adequate definition of experimental design. Therefore, the conclusion is reached
that experimental research consists of the manipulation of an unproven experimental
variable, under rigorously controlled conditions, in order to describe how or why a particular
situation or event occurs. .

In this topic, more than anything we talk about what experimental research is, since for this
the necessary information has to be collected on a topic to be investigated or a problem to be
solved.

These simple designs can be experimental or quasi-experimental , concepts that will also
need to be clarified. A design, in simple terms, is nothing more than a research plan so that
we can better justify the conclusions by eliminating other explanations or rival hypotheses ,
controlling other sources of variance (or sources of diversity in the results). The purpose of
the designs is to provide clear answers to the questions asked by the researcher.

C O N C E P T S
1.1. Investigation

Generically, research is a human activity aimed at discovering something unknown.1

“Research can be defined as an effort undertaken to solve a problem, of course, a problem
of knowledge”2
The concepts presented by the researchers encompass the conceptualization of what
research is.
In this sense, it can be said that an investigation is determined by the investigation of data or
the search for solutions for certain problems. It should be noted that an investigation,
especially at the scientific level, is a systematic process (information is obtained from a pre-
established plan that, once assimilated and examined, will modify or add knowledge to the
existing ones), organized (it is necessary to specify the details linked to the study) and
objective (its conclusions are not based on a subjective opinion, but on episodes that have
previously been observed and evaluated).

1.2. Experimental research

Experimental research consists of the manipulation of one (or more) untested experimental
variable, under rigorously controlled conditions, in order to describe how or why a particular
situation or event occurs. The experiment provoked by the researcher allows him to
introduce certain study variables manipulated by him, to control the increase or decrease of
these variables and their effect on the observed behaviors.3
The author states that, in them the researcher wants to verify the effects of a specific
intervention, in this case the researcher has an active role, since he carries out an
intervention.

Experimental research in the social sciences differs notably from experimental research in
the natural sciences due to the characteristics of the units of analysis in the social area. The
purpose of an experiment is to evaluate or examine the effects that appear in the dependent

1
“Sierra Bravo, 1991, p.27”
2
(Sabino, p.47). “ ARIAS, Fidias G., THE research project, Introduction to scientific
methodology, 5th ed. Editorial Episteme CA Caracas- Venezuela,
2006”

3
“J. Rudduck and D. Hopkins, Research as a basis for teaching, 5th edition, Editorial Morata,
2004, Madrid, p. 49”
variable when the independent variable is introduced, that is, it is about proving a causal
relationship.

Montgomery (1993) literally defines the experiment as “... a test or trial,” (p. 1) in which it is
possible to deliberately manipulate one or more independent variables to observe changes in
the dependent variable in a situation or context strictly controlled by the researcher.4

1.3 Quasi-experimental research

The quasi-experimental design is a form of experimental research used widely in social

sciences and psychology.

Although considered unscientific and unreliable by physicists and biologists, this method is
very useful for measuring social variables .

Inherent weaknesses in the methodology do not weaken the validity of the data, as long as
they are recognized and allowed for throughout the experimental process .
Quasi-experiments resemble quantitative and qualitative experiments, but lack random
assignment of groups or appropriate controls, so robust statistical analysis can be very
difficult.5

4
http://www.eumed.net/libros-gratis/2006c/203/2f.htm
5
https://explorable.com/es/quasi-experimental-design