Look up: Quasi-experiment

1. 
   quasi experiment
   quasi experiment, quasi-experimental 1. A study that has most of the trappings of an experiment, but which is unable to control potential factors, or perhaps is not guided by an idea of what all the factors are. 2. Similar to true experiments in that there are subjects, treatment, etc.; but it uses nonrandomized groups. It incorporates interpretation and transferability in order to c...
   Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/inf
   
   
2. 
   Quasi-experiment
   A quasi experiment takes place in a field setting but the independent variable is already in place. The experimenter thus manipulates nothing. He or she measures the dependent variable nonetheless. An example of a quasi experiment would be trying to establish a cause-effect relationship between speeding and road traffic accidents. You would find four states in America adjacent to each other. They each have their own state set speed limits. Lets say 50, 55, 60 and 65 mph. These are the various conditions of your IV, which are already established. You would measure your dependent variable being incidence of road traffic accidents.
   Found on http://www.gerardkeegan.co.uk/glossary/g
   
   
3. 
   Quasi-experiment
   A type of experimental design where random assignment to groups is not employed for either ethical or practical reasons, but certain methods of control are employed and the independent variable is manipulated
   Found on http://www.bath.ac.uk/e-learning/gold/gl