Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable to determine its effect on a dependent variable. It uses experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving treatment. Nonexperimental research examines naturally occurring variables that cannot be manipulated. Researchers have less control and cannot definitively say cause and effect. Sampling theory involves selecting a sample representative of the target population. Probability sampling aims for a fair sample while nonprobability is less systematic. Nursing research generalizability depends on a representative sample so results extend to the wider population.