The Experimental Method

• What is an "experiment" ?


  A research method where causal conclusions can be drawn because an independent variable has been deliberately manipulated to observe the causal effect on the dependent variable.
• Who do Psychologists carry out experiments on?

  Psychologists carry out lab experiments on humans, and the people tested in these experiments are called participants.
• What is a Lab Experiment?

  Experiments that are conducted in a highly controlled sometimes artificial environment
• Define Independent Variable

  The variable manipulated by the investigator
• Define Dependent Variable

  The variable measured by the investigator (participants response)
• Define Aim

  A statement of what the researchers intend to find out in a research study
• Define Operationalisation

  Ensuring that variables are in a form that can be easily tested or measured.

  Make it Measurable