SOCECOL 13 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Randomized Experiment, Meta-Analysis, Dependent And Independent Variables
4 Apr 2018
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Sample survey = a subgroup of large population is questioned on a set of topics. Results used as if they were representative of larger population. Experiment = measures the effect of manipulating the environment in some way. Randomized experiment = manipulation is assigned to participants on a random basis. Most experiments use human volunteers -> cannot force someone to accept manipulation during experiment. Explanatory variable = the feature being manipulated. Outcome variable (or response variable) = affected by another variable being manipulated. Randomized experiments often allow determination of cause + effect. Random groups are equal in all respects except for explanatory variable. Differences in outcome variable (if large enough to rule out natural chance variability) -> can be attributed to explanatory variable. Chapter 4: how to get a good sample. Observational study = resembles experiment except manipulation occurs naturally rather than being imposed by experimenter. Cannot assume explanatory variable is only variable responsible for observed differences in outcome variable.
