A research design is a method that entails the application of several independent variables to other dependent variables and manipulating them to measure how they are correlated through the results obtained. It is conducted periodically which assists in making a sound judgment on the effect of one variable on another. There are two types of research methods which include the experimental and non-experimental methods. For the experimental method, the variables are manipulated. Mostly, it is applicable in education and physical setups. The non-experimental method entails the use of variables that cannot be manipulated by the researcher. The variables are uncontrollable but are analyzed concluding the results. One of the examples of a research method is when teachers give exams to students at the end of each semester.
When taking the exams, students take a test based on what they have learned during the entire semester in class or during their studies, but within the syllabus. Here, the students act as dependent variables while the lectures act as independent variables. The testable subjects are few and hence are examined at the end of the semester. Secondly, during job interviews, employers use given criteria to select their employees of interest. The successful employees work in the organization for a while, then undergo some training to foster productivity. After the training, employees are tested to assess what they have gained and if there are notable upgrades in their work. Here, the employees are the dependent variables. Both the examples highlighted above are experimental research designs since the groups are tested regarding what they have learned.