7.2 Experimental Methods

• What is the primary goal of experimental methods?

  Establish causal relationships
• Match the research method with its key concept:

  Experimental ↔️ Causal relationships

  Observational ↔️ Descriptive relationships

  Correlational ↔️ Associative relationships

  Case Study ↔️ In-depth understanding
• The dependent variable is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.


  True
• The researcher controls the independent variable and measures changes in the dependent variable to establish a causal relationship.

  True
• A causal relationship is established by controlling the independent variable and measuring the dependent variable.


  True
• Match the variable with its role in an experiment:

  Independent Variable ↔️ Manipulated by researcher

  Dependent Variable ↔️ Measured by researcher

  Control Variable ↔️ Kept constant
• Control variables are kept constant to enhance the validity of the experiment.
• Natural experiments occur in real-world settings and lack direct manipulation by the researcher.
• Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the data.
• What type of statistics is used to summarize and describe data?

  Descriptive statistics
• The mode of a dataset is the most frequently occurring value.
• Researchers use tables, charts, and graphs to effectively present research findings.
• Quantitative data can be analyzed using statistical methods.
• Researchers use observations to record behavior in natural or controlled settings.
• What does informed consent ensure in psychological research?

  Voluntary participation
• Experimental methods can establish causal relationships between variables.

  True
• Demand characteristics occur when participants alter their behavior due to their awareness of being in an experiment.


  True
• What must researchers consider when generalizing findings from experimental methods?

  Their limitations
• Observational methods involve the researcher observing behavior without intervention.


  True
• The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent
• Order the following experimental designs from most to least control:

  1️⃣ Controlled Experiments

  2️⃣ Quasi-Experiments

  3️⃣ Natural Experiments
• The dependent variable is measured or observed to see the effect of the independent variable
• An example of an environmental condition as a control variable is keeping the room temperature consistent
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The variable being measured
• What is a key characteristic of controlled experiments?

  Random assignment of participants
• Qualitative data is non-numerical and provides in-depth information.


  True
• What is inferential statistics used for in psychological research?

  Testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions
• What is the median of a dataset?

  The middle value
• Hypothesis testing is used to determine if there is a significant difference between groups or conditions.

  True
• What is quantitative data in psychological research?

  Numerical data
• Surveys involve gathering self-reported information through questionnaires or interviews.

  True
• Experimental methods in psychology must adhere to strict ethical guidelines to protect research participants.


  True
• What right do participants have regarding their data in psychological research?

  Privacy and confidentiality
• What is a limitation of experimental methods due to their artificial settings?

  Ecological validity
• The use of deception in experiments raises ethical concerns.
• In an experimental method, the researcher manipulates the independent
• What type of evidence do experimental methods provide for cause and effect?

  Strongest
• What is the purpose of control variables in an experiment?

  Eliminate confounding effects
• What is the independent variable in an experimental method?

  The manipulated variable
• What is the purpose of control variables in an experiment?

  Eliminate confounding effects