ABSTRACT
There are several str~ngths to experimental designs. First, experimental studies are tightly focused on specific variables of interest. The parameters of the study will be well defined from the beginning when a precisely written research question is developed. Second, a researcher in need of structure and organized frameworks can rely on the standardized procedures established for experimental
research. There are a number of 'how to' texts that describe the procedures to follow. Creswell (994) and Fraenkel and Wallen (1993) are highly recommended for initial gUidance. Finally, the availability of computer software programs for statistical analysis, such as SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), make storing and analysing quantitative data remarkably easy for the researcher. However, a working knowledge of statistical reasoning is essential before using any computer program designed to 'number crunch'. The user must still make decisions about the most appropriate statistical tests to employ, and then interpret the statistical results.
