Kvasikokeelliset

Kvasikokeelliset, meaning "quasi-experimental" in Finnish, refers to research designs that aim to establish causal relationships between variables but lack the full rigor of a true experimental design. These designs are often employed when random assignment of participants to treatment and control groups is not feasible due to ethical, practical, or logistical constraints.

A key characteristic of quasi-experimental designs is the absence of random assignment. Instead, researchers might utilize pre-existing groups or manipulate variables in a non-random manner. This can include designs like the nonequivalent control group design, where intact groups are compared, or time-series designs, which involve repeated measurements before and after an intervention.

While quasi-experimental studies can provide valuable insights into cause-and-effect relationships, their internal validity is generally lower than that of true experiments. This is because the lack of random assignment increases the potential for confounding variables to influence the results. Researchers must carefully consider and attempt to control for these extraneous factors through statistical methods or careful study design.

Despite these limitations, quasi-experimental research remains an important tool in many fields, including education, public health, and social sciences. They offer a practical approach to studying phenomena in real-world settings where true experimentation might be impossible. The findings from quasi-experimental studies can inform policy, guide interventions, and generate hypotheses for future, more controlled research.