Experimental research contributes to the scientific knowledge by providing empirical evidence. This evidence is important to inform future studies, shape theories and guide practical implications. This course aims to explore the experimental research in social science that cover three parts: 1) Principles of experimental design; 2) Practical issues on experimental research; and 3) Basic principles of statistical techniques. In the last part of the course, participants will do a group work in analyzing a sample data on experimental research. The topics in the lectures will be as follows:

I. Introduction to an experimental research (ER) design

1. Key element of ER
   Causality, Independent variable & dependent variable; Control group & experimental group Randomization
2. Example of experimental research (to better understand the concept)
   *Pre-experimental research
   *True experimental research
   *Quasi experimental research
3. Advantages & limitation of ER

II. Procedure in conducting experimental research

*Identify the research question/ hypothesis
*Select and operationalize variables
*Designate the control and experimental groups
*Randomly assign participants to groups
*Implement the experiment
*Collect and analyze data\

III. Conducting experimental research

Will include case studies on different type of experimental design such as between-subject design, within-subject design, and factorial design.

IV. Data analysis and interpretation

Will introduce some basic principles of statistical technique, like t-test, regression, analysis of variance, and factor analysis.