5-1 Discussion Are Experiments the Gold Standard in Research.docx

4/2/20
Psy-224 Res II: Sci Investigation
5-1 Discussion: Are Experiments the Gold Standard in
Research?
When looking at psychological research, it is generally thought that experimental research
methods provide the best tool for conducting research. However, some research illustrates that
correlational studies and other descriptive methods provide an equally important opportunity for
conducting research. After completing this week's readings, discuss the benefits and
disadvantages of using an experimental design. In your discussion, be sure to examine how the
different research procedures might help to convey results to different audiences. For example,
would observational data be easier for individuals outside of research to understand? Or would
experimental data provide more easy-to-understand information because it examines a direct
cause–effect relationship? Given what you have presented, do you think that experimental
research is the gold standard? Why or why not?