Characteristics of the Experimental Research
Experimental research contains dependent, independent and extraneous variables. The dependent variables are the variables being treated or manipulated and are sometimes called the subject of the research.
The independent variables are the experimental treatment being exerted on the dependent variables. Extraneous variables, on the other hand, are other factors affecting the experiment that may also contribute to the change.
The setting is where the experiment is carried out. Many experiments are carried out in the laboratory, where control can be exerted on the extraneous variables, thereby eliminating them.
Other experiments are carried out in a less controllable setting. The choice of setting used in research depends on the nature of the experiment being carried out.
Experimental research may include multiple independent variables, e.g. time, skills, test scores, etc.