An ex-post-facto non-experimental design is a type of research design in which the researcher does not have control over the independent variable and cannot manipulate it. Instead, the researcher observes and analyzes the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable after the fact. This type of design is often used in situations where it is not possible or ethical to conduct a true experimental study.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 4 weeks ago
Ex-Post-Facto Non-Experimental Design
An ex-post-facto non-experimental design is a research method used to investigate past events or behaviors without manipulating independent variables. Researchers collect data that has already occurred and attempt to make inferences about the relationships between variables.
Characteristics:
- Observational: Researchers observe and collect data on existing conditions or events. - Non-experimental: No manipulation of independent variables is involved. - Retrospective: The study focuses on past events or behaviors.
Advantages:
- Can provide insights into past events and historical trends. - Useful for investigating sensitive topics where experimentation is not feasible. - Can be used to test hypotheses and explore relationships between variables.
Limitations:
- Cannot establish causality due to the lack of experimental control. - May be subject to biases and confounding variables. - Difficult to generalize findings to other populations or settings.
Steps Involved:
1. Identify a research question: Determine the relationships or effects you want to investigate. 2. Collect data: Gather relevant data from existing sources (e.g., historical records, surveys, interviews). 3. Analyze the data: Use statistical methods to test hypotheses and examine relationships between variables. 4. Interpret the results: Make inferences about the relationships between variables, considering limitations. 5. Draw conclusions: Based on the results, conclude whether the hypotheses are supported or not.
Examples:
- Studying the impact of a natural disaster on a population. - Examining the relationship between parental income and children's academic achievement. - Investigating the effectiveness of a past public health campaign.