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Definition
The quasi-experimental research strategy, like an experiment, typically involves a
comparison of groups or conditions. However, a quasi-experimental study uses a non
manipulated variable to define the usually a participant variable (such as male versus
female) or a time variable (such as before versus after treatment).
Introduction
It is often asserted that the classical evaluation design, using random assignment
of individuals or families to treatment or control groups, is superior to quasi-experimental
evaluation designs. This is certainly true for some demonstration programs or
interventions, but in the human service arena, programs suited to a classic experiment
may be the exception rather than the rule.
In many research situations, however, it is difficult or impossible for a researcher
to satisfy completely the rigorous requirements of an experiment. This is particularly true
for applied research in natural settings, such as educational research in the classroom and
clinical research with real clients. In these situations a researcher can often devise a
research strategy (a method of collecting data) that is similar to an experiment but fails to
satisfy at least one of the requirements of a true experiment. Such studies are generally
called Quasi-experimental research studies. Although quasi –experimental studies
typically are intended to show causal relationship (for example, a clinician would like to
show that the therapy causes patients to improve), they usually contain a confounding
variable or other threats to internal validity that is an integral part of the design and
simply cannot be removed. The existence of a confounding variable means that these
studies cannot establish unambiguous cause and effect relationships and therefore are not
true experiments. The fact that quasi-experimental studies are not true experiments does
not mean that they are useless or even second class research studies. Quasi experimental
research serves a real purpose and in some cases is the only option available for certain
questions.
Quasi experimental research strategies are used in studies that are almost, but not
quite, true experiments. Quasi experimental studies often look like experiments in tem of
the general structure of the study.