Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to
12.1 Define an experiment and describe three major experimental research settings.
12.2 Explain the concept of independent variable manipulation, including the three
ways of manipulating an independent variable.
12.3 Explain the six major ways to “control for” confounding variables.
12.4 Explain the concept of “experimental research design” in relation to weak-, quasi-,
and strong experimental research.
12.5 Explain the threats to validity for each of the “basic” strong experimental designs.
12.6 Explain the threats to validity for each of the “advanced” strong experimental
designs.