How does experimental research determine the effects of an intervention?

Experimental research is designed to assess the effects of an intervention by establishing cause-and-effect relationships. One of the key methods through which this is achieved is by utilizing control groups.

In an experimental design, researchers create at least two groups: the experimental group, which receives the intervention, and the control group, which does not. This comparison allows researchers to isolate the effects of the intervention by ensuring that any changes in the experimental group can be attributed to the intervention itself, rather than other variables. By controlling for outside influences, researchers can gather evidence on the efficacy of the intervention and make more definitive conclusions about its impact.

Using control groups is fundamental in establishing reliability and validity in experimental research, as it helps to mitigate confounding variables that could skew results. This method enables researchers to measure whether the intervention leads to significant changes in behavior, learning outcomes, or other relevant metrics. In contrast, the other options focus on qualitative inputs or broader survey methods, which do not provide the same level of control necessary to determine causality effectively.