ABSTRACT

The preceding chapter discussed the design of experimental studies at a relatively abstract level to introduce basic principles of planning and constructing a laboratory experiment. This chapter considers how to implement an experimental design, in terms of the basic construction of a laboratory experiment, and describes the different forms of experimental treatments that are used in contemporary social research. The chapter also covers aspects of the experiment that, while not formal features of the design, can nevertheless have a great impact on a study’s outcome. Although this text is not meant to be a nuts and bolts “how to do it”book, this chapter contains details and information that should provide a useful guide to the conduct of experimental research.