11.3.1 Experiments

• What is an experiment in psychological research used to investigate?

  Independent variable effect
• An experiment involves manipulating the independent variable and measuring its effect on the dependent variable
• Researchers might manipulate sleep duration to study its effect on memory.
• What is the purpose of control variables in an experiment?

  Eliminate extraneous influences
• In an experiment, the experimental group receives the manipulation of the independent variable
• Match the characteristic with the correct variable:

  Definition: The factor being manipulated ↔️ Independent Variable

  Definition: The factor being measured ↔️ Dependent Variable
• In a study on exercise and mood, which is the independent variable?

  Exercise
• Experiments involve the manipulation of the independent variable
• Steps involved in conducting an experiment:

  1️⃣ Manipulation of the independent variable

  2️⃣ Measurement of the dependent variable

  3️⃣ Control of other variables
• Extraneous variables must be controlled to ensure observed effects are due to the independent variable alone.
• Match the characteristic with the correct variable:

  The factor being manipulated ↔️ Independent Variable

  The factor being measured ↔️ Dependent Variable
• What is the purpose of the control group in an experiment?

  Baseline for comparison
• The control group does not receive the manipulation of the independent variable
• What are the two main groups in an experiment?

  Experimental and control
• The experimental group receives the manipulation of the independent variable.
• The control group receives the manipulation of the independent variable.

  False
• Match the group characteristic with its description:

  Experimental Group ↔️ Receives independent variable

  Control Group ↔️ Provides a baseline for comparison
• Steps involved in conducting an experiment

  1️⃣ Identify the research question

  2️⃣ Formulate a hypothesis

  3️⃣ Design the experiment

  4️⃣ Conduct the experiment

  5️⃣ Analyze the data

  6️⃣ Interpret the findings

  7️⃣ Write a report
• What is random assignment used for in experiments?

  Minimizing bias
• Random assignment minimizes the likelihood of systematic differences between groups.
• Random assignment ensures fairness by giving all participants an equal chance of being in either group.
• Why is random assignment crucial in experiments?

  Reduces systematic bias
• Random assignment strengthens the causal relationship between independent and dependent variables.
• Match the benefit of random assignment with its explanation:

  Minimizing Bias ↔️ Ensures no systematic differences between groups

  Increasing Validity ↔️ Strengthens causal relationships

  Ensuring Fairness ↔️ All participants have an equal chance
• What is the primary goal of an experiment in psychological research?

  Investigate causal relationships
• Researchers control extraneous variables to isolate the impact of the independent variable.
• Manipulating the independent variable is a key feature of experiments.
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The factor being measured
• The independent variable causes change, while the dependent variable is affected by change.
• Field experiments have high ecological validity because they occur in natural settings.
• Which type of experiment has the highest level of control over variables?

  Lab experiment
• Experimental research establishes cause-and-effect relationships due to manipulation of the independent variable.relationships
• Random assignment and controlled conditions in experimental research increase its internal validity.
• Experiments in experimental research can be repeated under similar conditions, ensuring replicability.
• Artificial settings in lab experiments may not reflect real-world conditions.
• Manipulating variables that could harm participants raises ethical issues in experimental research.
• Limited generalizability occurs when an experiment is too controlled or specific.
• Match the characteristic of experimental research with its advantage or disadvantage:

  Cause-and-Effect ↔️ Establishes causal relationships

  Internal Validity ↔️ High due to control

  Setting ↔️ Can be artificial
• Experimental research establishes cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating the independent variable.
• High internal validity in experimental research is achieved through random assignment and controlled conditions.