Definition Experiment
Experiments investigate and attempt to demonstrate the cause and effect relationship between two variables. An example can be seen in the test phase of pharmaceutical drugs, i.e., whether drug X effectively combats disease Y.
In experiments, the subjects are usually divided into two groups ‒ one control and one experimental group. The experimental group actually receives the drug while the control group only proceeds with the standard treatment. A distinction is made between laboratory (controlled environment) and field experiments (in natural settings). Experiments must satisfy the scientific quality criteria of objectivity, reliability , and validity.
Please note that the definitions in our statistics encyclopedia are simplified explanations of terms. Our goal is to make the definitions accessible for a broad audience; thus it is possible that some definitions do not adhere entirely to scientific standards.