Overview of Experimental Research
What is experimental research?
Key Points
- An experimental (or intervention) study is a study where the exposure or treatment is controlled by the investigator.
- Experimental studies provide evidence to support or refute the existence of a cause-effect relationship.
- There are different types of experimental study designs. One is the randomized controlled trial (RCT) which is considered the “gold standard” of experimental studies.
Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses
Overview
- Observational vs. Experimental Studies
- Brief overview comparing observational and experimental research designs.
- Experimental Studies
- Chapter 9 of Epidemiology for the Uninitiated published by BMJ.
Videos
- Experimental Study Designs: Clinical Trials
- 19-minute overview video developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT)
- 9-minute video developed by UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti.
- Types of Experimental Designs
- A 7-minute video detailing 3 types of experimental designs.
Relevant Publications
- Bhide, A., Shah, P. S., & Acharya, G. (2018). A simplified guide to randomized controlled trials. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 97(4), 380–387.
