1. Exploring Marketing ResearchWilliam G. ZikmundChapter 11:
Experimental Research
2. ExperimentA research investigation in which conditions are controlled
One independent variable is manipulated (sometimes more than one)
Its effect on a dependent variable is measured
To test a hypothesis
3. Manipulation of the Independent Variable
Selection of Dependent Variable
Assignment of Subjects (or other Test Units)
Control Over Extraneous VariablesBasic Issues of Experimental Design
4. Experiment TreatmentAlternative manipulations of the independent variable being investigated
5. Independent VariableThe experimenter controls independent variable.
The variable’s value can be manipulated by the experimenters to whatever they wish it to be.
6. Manipulation of Independent VariableClassificatory vs. Continuous Variables
Experimental and Control Groups
Treatment Levels
More Than One Independent Variable
7. Dependent VariableIts value is expected to be dependent on the experimenter’s manipulation
Criterion or standard by which the results are judged
8. TEST UNITS - subjects or entities whose response to the experimental treatment are measured or observed.
9. Controlling Extraneous VariablesElimination of Extraneous Variables
Constancy of Conditions
Order of Presentation
Blinding
Random Assignment
10. How May an Experimenter control for
Extraneous Variation?Eliminate Extraneous Variables
Hold Conditions Constant
Randomization
Matching Subjects
11. Demand CharacteristicsExperimental procedures that intentionally hint to subjects something about the experimenter’s hypothesis
14. When does an Experiment have Internal Validity?Internal Validity - The ability of an experiment to answer the question whether the experimental treatment was the sole cause of changes in a dependent variable
Did the manipulation do what it was supposed to do?