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All scientific disciplines use this method because they are interested in understanding the laws (cause-and-effect relationships) of nature. The power of the experimental method derives from the fact that it allows researchers to detect cause-and-effect relationships.
In order to see cause-and-effect relationships the researcher must be sure that his manipulations (the independent variable) are the only variables having an effect on the dependent variable. He does this by holding all other variables, variables that might also effect the dependent variable, constant (equivalent, the same).
Only by this highly controlled procedure can the researcher be sure that the observed changes in the dependent variable were in fact caused by his manipulations.
Experimental studies, therefore, are used when the researcher is interested in determining cause-and-effect relationships. Also, this method can be used when it is appropriate, both practically and ethically, to manipulate the variables.
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