How do you design a pretest-posttest experiment for measuring the impact of a training program?

1 Identify the research question

The first step is to identify the research question that you want to answer with your experiment. For example, you might want to know if a new online course improves the sales skills of your employees, or if a workshop enhances the creativity of your students. Your research question should be clear, specific, and measurable, and should guide your choice of variables, participants, and measures.

2 Select the variables

The second step is to select the variables that you will manipulate and measure in your experiment. The variable that you manipulate is called the independent variable, and the variable that you measure is called the dependent variable. For example, if you want to test the effect of a training program on sales skills, the independent variable is the training program, and the dependent variable is the sales performance. You should also consider any other variables that might affect the outcome, such as the participants' background, motivation, or personality, and try to control or account for them.

3 Choose the participants

The third step is to choose the participants who will take part in your experiment. You should select a sample that is representative of the population that you want to generalize your results to, and that is large enough to detect any significant differences. You should also use random assignment to divide your participants into two groups: the experimental group, which will receive the training program, and the control group, which will not. This way, you can reduce the bias and confounding factors that might affect the comparison.

4 Conduct the pretest

The fourth step is to conduct the pretest, which is the measurement of the dependent variable before the training program. You should use a valid and reliable instrument, such as a test, a survey, or an observation, to measure the performance or behavior of both groups. You should also ensure that the pretest conditions are consistent and standardized for all participants, and that they do not influence or interfere with the training program.

5 Implement the training program

The fifth step is to implement the training program, which is the manipulation of the independent variable. You should deliver the training program to the experimental group, while keeping the control group in their usual condition. You should also ensure that the training program is consistent and standardized for all participants in the experimental group, and that it matches your research question and objectives.

6 Conduct the posttest

The sixth and final step is to conduct the posttest, which is the measurement of the dependent variable after the training program. You should use the same instrument and conditions as in the pretest, to measure the performance or behavior of both groups. You should then compare the results of the pretest and posttest for each group, and between the groups, to see if there is any significant change or difference due to the training program.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?