Experimental Research

Experimental research is a scientific methodology used to investigate cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more independent variables and measuring their effects on dependent variables under controlled conditions. It involves designing experiments, collecting data through systematic observation or measurement, and analyzing results using statistical methods to test hypotheses. This approach is fundamental in fields like psychology, medicine, education, and social sciences to establish empirical evidence and validate theories.

Also known as: Experimental Design, Controlled Experiments, Scientific Method, Empirical Research, Hypothesis Testing

Why learn Experimental Research?

Developers should learn experimental research when working on data-driven projects, A/B testing, user experience (UX) optimization, or machine learning model validation, as it provides a rigorous framework for testing hypotheses and making evidence-based decisions. It is crucial in software development for evaluating new features, improving algorithms, or assessing system performance under controlled scenarios, ensuring changes are backed by reliable data rather than assumptions.

Learning Resources

• course: Introduction to Experimental Design and Analysis
• tutorial: Experimental Research Methods in Psychology
• docs: A/B Testing: The Most Powerful Way to Turn Clicks Into Customers
• book: Research Methods in Education
• video: Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists