a true experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing research methodologies, particularly in the context of scientific studies that involve controlled conditions and random assignment. Example: "In order to establish a causal relationship, we must conduct a true experiment rather than relying on observational data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The whole procedure is finally illustrated to analyze a true experiment.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

To demonstrate that increased understanding of evolution causes change in religious belief, we would have to run a true experiment: Take a large sample of students and randomly divide them into two groups, then have one group increase their understanding of evolution and the other group abstain from increasing their understanding of evolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Each installment is a numbered "transmission," and the series is a true experiment in aestheticism.

Vice

Since so few districts are available for the selection process, GEHIP is a plausibility trial rather than a true experiment.

BMC Health Services Research

The differences in the impact of using two different external representations (a tangible model and an image) on learning about self-assembly in a group exercise were investigated using a true experiment design (Robson, 2002).

CBE Life Sciences Education

In a true experiment this means that the treatment has a different effect on a subject than the placebo and therefore the treatment is effective.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

DUNNING * MOLISSA FENLEY AND DANCERS A decade ago, the spare, pale Ms. Fenley teamed up with Anthony Davis, a composer known for his juicily turbulent blend of musical forms for a dance called "Hemispheres," which one critic observed introduced a note of true experiment into the experimental "Next Wave" series.

The New York Times - Arts

True experiment in ballet is a curious thing: it relies on familiar vocabulary while defying all expectation.

The New York Times - Arts

In pubs, on buses, on television and radio, and at home I am asked about the genre, the manipulation of the programme, the loss of viewers over the years and the ending of this chapter – but always with the adage of "but you were in the first year, it was good back then … a true social experiment … with genuine people".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To explore this we outline a study design relying on a true natural experiment: the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Comparative Migration Studies

This feature represents a true TV experiment on how violence can be discussed without violence.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research, use "a true experiment" to emphasize that the study includes randomization and control groups, distinguishing it from observational studies or quasi-experiments.

Common error

Avoid using "a true experiment" when you simply mean that the experiment yielded correct results. "True" here refers to the design of the experiment, not the validity of its findings. Use "accurate results" or "valid findings" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true experiment" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of research methodology. It modifies the noun "experiment" with the adjective "true", indicating that the experiment adheres to specific criteria of experimental design. As Ludwig AI notes, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true experiment" is a noun phrase used to describe a research study with rigorous methodology, particularly emphasizing random assignment and controlled conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. While relatively uncommon in general usage, it's primarily found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. Remember that "true" refers to the experimental design, not necessarily the accuracy of the results. Alternatives like "controlled experiment" and "rigorous experiment" can be used depending on the specific aspect you wish to highlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controlled experiment

Emphasizes the control of variables in the experiment.

a genuine experiment

Highlights the authenticity and validity of the experiment.

a rigorous experiment

Focuses on the thoroughness and precision of the experimental design.

a valid experiment

Indicates that the experiment measures what it intends to measure.

a scientific experiment

Specifies that the experiment adheres to scientific principles.

an actual experiment

Stresses the reality and tangibility of the experiment.

a real experiment

Similar to "actual experiment", emphasizes the genuineness of the experimental setup.

a proper experiment

Suggests adherence to established standards and protocols.

a well-designed experiment

Highlights the careful planning and execution of the experiment.

a classical experiment

Implies the experiment is foundational or representative of established experimental methods.

FAQs

How does "a true experiment" differ from a quasi-experiment?

A "true experiment" involves random assignment of participants to conditions and manipulation of variables, whereas a quasi-experiment lacks random assignment. Thus, "true experiments" allow for stronger causal inferences.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a true experiment" in scientific writing?

Use "a true experiment" when describing a study that adheres to rigorous experimental design, including random assignment, control groups, and manipulation of the independent variable. This distinguishes it from observational studies or "natural experiments".

What are some alternatives to saying "a true experiment"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a controlled study", "a randomized controlled trial", or "a rigorous experiment" to convey a similar meaning.

Why is random assignment so important in "a true experiment"?

Random assignment minimizes bias by ensuring that participant characteristics are evenly distributed across experimental conditions, allowing researchers to attribute observed effects to the manipulated variable. Without it, you don't have "a valid experiment".