Question

Understanding: Is any experimental approach perfect? What is the solution to imperfect measures?

Answer 1

No experimental method can be perfect. This is because it is nearly impossible to establish control over all the extraneous variables that affect the independent variable and dependent variable relationship. The solution to using imperfect measures is to recognise the existence of some errors and reduce them to a degree wherein their effect can be considered statistically significant. One way of doing so is measuring the probability of an erroneous result. If the obtained value is negligible, one can safely assume the one’s results are accurate.