Organic Experiment Shoul Thomas Dee

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The ideal way to approach a question like this is through the means of a random experiment (students randomly selected). In this manner, the study would be subject to as few confounding variables as possible. Secondly, it would be optimal to control for unobservable characteristics such as ability bias and student perception in the study. In turn, this allows us to reduce the error term which could lead to a clearer possible causation as opposed to just correlation. Thirdly, the sample size should be as large as possible while being accompanied by an increase in the scope of comparison from two to four classes. Like in any other experiment, increasing the sample size yields better results that can be applied more universally. Fourthly, the experiment …show more content…

Unlike a random experiment, a natural experiment is mostly observing what has occurred. What's more, a natural experiment gives researchers limited control over a study. Like a random experiment, variables are separated and compared to determine the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable. At any rate, Dr. Dee selected to go with a natural experiment on the grounds that a random experiment was not a viable option. In particular, Dr. Dee's natural experiment focused on the results of a 1988 National Education Longitudinal Survey of 8th grade teachers. Specifically Dr. Dee examined the effect that a teacher's gender had on student test scores. Dr. Dee takes this a step further by considering the size of a classroom, the race of a teacher, years of experience a teacher has, and whether a teacher was certified in their subject of teaching. It is important to remember that Dr.Dee uses the results of one year and does not take into consideration following years. Beyond this, Dr. Dee also examines student perception about the four core subjects. In short, Thomas Dee examined and manipulated what had occurred to come to his

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