Research Methods:

Experimentation

Mr. Koch
AP Psychology
Forest Lake High School
 Psychology uses the scientific method, which
consists of three main steps:

1.Formulating a hypothesis
2.Collecting data to support or refute the
hypothesis
3.Building a useful theory
 Experimental Method
An experiment is a method that allows scientists to
establish cause and effect. It explores the
relationship between the independent variable
(IV) and the dependent variable (DV). It begins
by establishing operational definitions for the
hypothesis. Then it manipulates the
experimental condition to test the hypothesis.
Experiments also often contain a control
condition, in which a control group is exposed to
all the same factors as the experimental subjects
except the experimental condition.
 Experimentation
• Replication of studies is essential in science.
(Other researchers can retest your hypothesis
for procedural and outcome validity.)

• Psychological research should have ecological

validity, focusing on processes that occur in
real-life environments.
 Experimentation
A good experiment has reliability and validity.

Reliability means the consistency of

measurements. (replicable)
Validity means the accuracy of measurements.
 Experimental Method
• The experimental method is the most commonly used testing method
in psychology because it is accurate and controlled.

1. Hypothesis
• A specific, testable proposition about something to study
» often based on previous research
• States a relationship between 2 variables (any condition or
behavior that can change in quantity/quality)
• “If – Then”

Example:
“If students sleep less before the exam, then their grades on the
exam will be lower.”
 Experimental Method
2. Independent Variable (IV)
• Controlled and manipulated by the experimenter to
determine how it affects the dependent variable (If…)
• It causes the resulting changes
3. Dependent Variable (DV)
• Changes in response to the independent variable (Then…)
• What is being measured
• It is dependent upon the IV

A reduced amount of sleep will result in lower test scores among students.
(IV) (DV)
 Experimental Method
4. Random Assignment
• Each variable has an equal chance of being selected
– “Random assignment” vs. “Random Sample”
5. Preselected or Stratified Sample
• The experimenter specifically selects a demographic for
the study (i.e. toddlers, AP students, men, women, etc.)
6. Experimental Group
• The group in which the condition under study is present
7. Control Group
• Altered condition is not present
– baseline for comparison
 Experimental Method
8. Controlled Variable
• Any variable that is held constant among all subjects
– Reduces possibility of alternative explanations

9. Confounding Variable
• Any variable that is not controlled and could possibly affect
the validity of the results
10. Theory
• A general principle based on information to explain what is
learned
– Can be retested for validity

11. Subject
• The organism participating in the experiment
– Subject responses = dependent variable
 Experimentation
• Additional terms:
– Placebo Effect
• Experimental results caused by participant’s expectations, rather
than actual treatment/condition
– Single-blind design
• Study in which participant is unaware of placement in
experimental or control group

– Experimenter Bias
• Unintentional effects experimenters may exert on their results
– Double-blind design
• Study in which neither the experimenter nor the participant
knows if the subject is in the experimental or control group
Experimenter Bias?...
 Ethics
• Because psychologists have an ethical obligation to protect the
dignity and welfare of the people who participate in research, the
APA has drawn up a set of ethical principles to guide research.

• The code sets up 4 main conditions aimed at ensuring subjects’:

1. Privacy
2. Voluntary participation
3. Informed consent
4. Freedom from harm

• Researchers must also follow federal regulations and guidelines

of local institutional review boards.
• Research that cannot ethically be done with humans can
sometimes be performed on animals.
 Ethics
• Advantages to Animal Testing:
1. Physiology is often similar to humans
2. Behavior of animals can be more controlled than
humans (i.e. rats can be raised in cages)
3. Short life spans – behavior of many generations
can be studied in a short time period
4. Drug testing or surgery (brain)
 Ethics
• APA Guidelines for Animal Subjects
1. Acquired and treated according to local laws
2. Comfortable environment (unless absolutely
necessary for testing procedure)
– Any pain/discomfort/stress must be justified by
expected benefits to human/animal welfare
3. Use must be directed by qualified researcher
(must possess a master’s degree or greater in
psychology)