Experimental groups in experimental research Definition
The experiment is defined as the science and art of checking the viability of the variables
with a 'supposed' hypothesis, or testing it out, or formulating a principle. The experiment is
conducted based on already defined theories and also on personal perceptions. The
experiment group comprises the sample that has to be tested for finding the results of the
experiment.
Overview of Experimental Groups In Experimental
Research
The experiment is conducted using a series of procedures and methods. Data is collected to
carry out the experiment. The data collected can be collected using primary and secondary
sources. The primary source of data collection is used when the study is being conducted for
the first time. On the other side, secondary data is when the study has already being
conducted and the data is being used in the experimentation.
The primary data is collected by designing ‘groups’ in the experiment and apply testing on
the group. The testing is done using variables that can be controlled and also be fluctuated.
The group, which is treated with different variables and subjected to conditions in the
experiment is known as the ‘experiment group.’
Got a question on this topic?
Find answers in our Expert Q&A
Search
What you'll learn:
Experimental groups in experimental research Definition
Overview of Experimental Groups In Experimental Research
Experiment Group:
Experimental Groups in the Experiment:
Experiment Group:
The experiment group is the group on which the treatment of the experiment is given. The
conditions of the experiment group are altered as per the experiment demands and the results
are compared with the neutral groups. The role of the experiment group is to check the effect
of treatment on the variables and conditions. In the absence of the experiment group, the
conditions of the experiment cannot be applied and the experiment will not lead to positive
results.
Examples of Experiment Groups
The experiment is conducted to check the effectiveness of a vaccine. A group of
people suffering from the disease is identified. Half of them are given the vaccine to
be tested (experiment group) the other half are given sugar water (neutral group). The
results of both are tested. If the drug is effective the first group will show positive
effects and if the drug is not effective then the first group will show no effect.
An experiment was conducted to check if noises in the exam hall have any effect on
the results of the students and two groups were made. One group was exposed to
noises and another group was not exposed to the noises during a test. The results of
both groups were compared for the analysis. The experimental group in this
experiment is the group, which was exposed to the distractions is known as the
experiment group and the other group is the neutral group.
Experimental Groups in the Experiment:
Advantages of Experimental Groups in the Experiment
Control on Variables: In the experiment group those variables are included that are
required for the study and the rest of' the variables can be excluded. In this way, the
research and experiment can be controlled.
Easy Cause and Effect Evaluation: With the control of the variables, it is easy to
determine the cause and effect relationship and the study becomes more accurate. It
becomes easy to determine the cause and effect relationships of the variables.
Better Results: The strictness and rigidness of the variables in the experiment can be
controlled. The intensity of dependency of the variables can be managed according to
the study. Thus, the experiment will show a hypothesis based on the study that is
needed to be done.
Disadvantages of Experiment Group
Not Always Ethical: The variables of the experiment group can be easily controlled.
This often results in a loss in the originality of the variables. If all the variables are
changed then the experiment will give manipulative results.
Create Artificial Situations: The controlling involved in the experimental groups
causes control over irrelevant variables also. This results in artificial conditions for
the experiment.
Prone Human Error: The individual in control of the experiment and the variables
may end up making mistakes as it is very natural for a human to make errors and
forget material facts. This hampers the results of the experiment.
Influence on the Participants: The participants in the experiment can be informed
beforehand about the experiment and the variables. This influences the mind of the
participants and the conditions of them as per the experiment. This way they lose their
neutrality towards the experiment.
Reach False Results: The researcher can manipulate the experiment as per his need.
The experiment will answer a false hypothesis, which may not true in the world.
An experiment can be conditioned as per the requirement of the researcher but it should be
kept in mind that the study and the result derived do not get manipulated from it. The
manipulations will not give any true output. The conditions are imposed as required by the
variables and not to alter the result.
