1. 1  a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The digital computer stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. ( 2 as modifier): computer technology, related prefix cyber-.
We are concerned with the analysis of data generated from an experiment. It is wise to take time and effort to organize the experiment properly to ensure that the right type of data, and enough of it, is available to answer the questions of interest as clearly and efficiently as possible.
Experiments: Summary. 1  The defining characteristics of experiments are manipulation and control. The independent variable (also known as the experimental variable) is either manipulated by the experimenter, or the experimenter takes advantage of a natural manipulation (quasi-experiment). When an extraneous variable is the source of the outcome, then the experimental treatment is said to be confounded.