What is pre-test, post-test experimental design?

 Pre-test Post-test Experimental Design:

The pre-test post-test experimental design is a true experimental design used to measure the effect of an intervention or treatment by comparing outcomes before and after the treatment is applied.

Key Features:

Element

Description

Pre-test

A measurement taken before the treatment or intervention to assess the initial condition (baseline).

Intervention/Treatment

The independent variable or experiment applied to the experimental group.

Post-test

A measurement taken after the treatment to assess any change or effect.

Control Group

Often included to compare with a group that does not receive the treatment.

Random Assignment

Subjects are randomly assigned to groups to ensure validity and reduce bias.

Structure:

  • Experimental Group:
    Pre-test → Treatment → Post-test
  • Control Group:
    Pre-test → No Treatment → Post-test

Purpose:

To determine whether the independent variable (treatment) causes a statistically significant change in the dependent variable.

Example:

Research Question: Does a memory training program improve recall ability?

Group

Pre-test

Treatment

Post-test

Experimental

Memory test score

Memory training program

Memory test score

Control

Memory test score

No program

Memory test score

If the experimental group improves significantly more than the control group, the training is likely effective.

Advantages:

  • Measures change over time.
  • Allows causal inference if random assignment is used.
  • Useful for educational, psychological, and clinical studies.

Limitations:

  • Testing effect: Pre-test may influence post-test results.
  • Requires careful control of extraneous variables.

 


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