Control Over Variables

This research aids in controlling independent variables for the experiments aim
to remove extraneous and unwanted variables. The control over the irrelevant var
iables is higher as compared to other research types or methods.
Easy Determination of Cause and Effect Relationship
The experimental design of this type of research includes manipulating independe
nt variables to easily determine the cause and effect relationship.

Better Results
Due to the control set up by experimenter and the strict conditions, better resu
lts can be achieved. Another good thing about experimental research is that expe
riments can be repeated and results can be checked again. Better results that ha
ve been obtained can also give researcher greater confidence regarding the resul
ts.
Other advantages of experimental research are gaining insights to instruction me
thods, performing experiments and combining methods for rigidity, determining th
e best for the population and providing greater transferability.

DISADVANTAGES OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Failure to do Experiment
One of the disadvantages of experimental research is that you cannot do experime
nts at times because you cannot manipulate independent variables either due to e
thical or practical reasons. Taking for instance a situation wherein you are ent
husiastic about the effects of an individual s culture or the tendency of helping
strangers, you cannot do the experiment. The reason for this is simply because y
ou are not capable of manipulating the individual s culture.
Creates Artificial Situations
Another disadvantage of experimental research is that this controls irrelevant v
ariables at times and this also means creating situations that are somehow artif
icial.
Subject to Human Error
Just like any other type of research, experimental research is also subjected to
human error and this will somehow affect the efficiency of the results.
Other disadvantages of experimental research are personal biases, unreliable sam
ples, artificial results, and results that can only be applied to one situation
and may be hard to replicate and lastly difficulty in measuring human response.
Another disadvantage is that results may not be generalized into real-life situa
tions. This research can be time consuming and expensive. There are also several
areas wherein experiments cannot be utilized due to ethical and practical consi
derations.
Experimental designs are frequently contrived scenarios that do not often mimic
the things that happen in real world. The degree on which results can be general
ized all over situations and real world applications are limited. Experimental r
esearch helps with internal validity however this is at the expense of the exter
nal validity. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of experimental research
can help you determine if this type of research suits your need or not.
ADVANTAGES OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH