EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Researchers study variables, which are characteristics that take on different values 
across people or things. If test scores and fi nal grades were higher than could be accounted for 
by chance in the section receiving online feedback, the researcher could tentatively 
conclude that there is evidence the online feedback (treatment or independent 
variable) contributed to greater learning than the in-class feedback.Using two sections of economics taught by the same professor, the researcher using a random 
procedure would select one section to receive immediate online feedback about 
their performance on test questions; the other section would receive feedback during their next class session (independent variables).In the foregoing example, the researcher would attempt to 
make sure that both groups had the same instructor; that both sections met at the 
same time of day but on different days; that lecture notes, readings, and exams 
were the same; and so forth.For example, 
assume a university researcher wanted to investigate the effect of providing online 
feedback to students immediately following course examinations.The researcher would compare the two sections' exam scores and their fi nal grades in the course (dependent 
variables).