Experimental Methods


            Experimental method allows researchers to look at cause and effect relationship. In experimental psychology researchers identify and define key variables, formulate a hypothesis, manipulate the variable and collect data on result. In order to understand how experimental psychology works, some key terms are necessary to understand.

Formulation of Problem

At the start of experiment the problem must be explained through this it would be cleared that on which thing the experiment is conducted and purpose of experiment is also cleared. After identify the problem the other steps of experimental method are done.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative statement or guess about a possible relationship between two or more variables. A testable preposition is called a hypothesis. Hypothesis is said to be expected solution of the problem. If hypothesis is rejected then there is no effect on experiment.

·         Independent Variable

            The independent variable which is manipulated by the researcher is called independent variable. Parental conflict is the cause of low self-esteem in children, in this parental conflict is the independent variable.

·         Dependent Variable

            The dependent variable is the effect that the experimenter is measuring. In previous example self-esteem is the dependent variable.

    Internal Variable

            The variable which are related to person's personal condition are called internal variable e. g Thirst, hunger, age, personality is internal variable.

·         External Variables

            During the experiment the experimental factors e. g temperature of experimental labs, intensity of light etc. which effects the performance of person are called external variables.

·         Extraneous Variables

The variable that affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Extraneous variable may directly affect the dependent variable and combines with the independent variable to affect the results.

Advantages of Experimental Methods     

   It is scientific method.

·         This method is broad in sense.

·         Experimental method can be verified after experiment.

·         This is objective method. There is no biasness in this method.

·         Through experimental method animals can also studied.

Disadvantages of Experimental Methods

·         This method is expensive.

·         In experimental method the subject cannot show his real character.

·         In this method trained experimenter are required.

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