Understanding Experimental Research

What is the definition of the experimental method in psychology?

• The experimental method is a research technique that tests hypotheses by manipulating variables in a controlled environment and studies cause effect relationship of the variables

• The experimental method is a research technique that tests hypotheses by manipulating variables in a controlled environment and studies relationship between two or more variables

• The experimental method involves observing behavior in naturalistic way

• The experimental method focuses on qualitative research through interviews and surveys.

How do control groups differ from experimental groups?

• Control groups differ from experimental groups in that control groups receive the treatment being tested i.e IV, whereas experimental groups do not

• Control groups differ from experimental groups in that control groups do not receive the treatment being tested i.e IV, whereas experimental groups do.

• Control groups are larger than experimental groups.

What is the purpose of using control groups in experiments?

• To ensure all variables are tested equally.

• To eliminate the need for a hypothesis.

• To provide a baseline for comparison and isolate the effect of the independent variable.

• To increase the sample size of the experiment.

Define independent variable in the context of experimental research.

• The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

• The independent variable is the variable that is observed and recorded in an experiment.

• The independent variable is the outcome measured in an experiment.

• The independent variable is a constant that does not change during the experiment.

Define dependent variable in the context of experimental research.

• The dependent variable is the hypothesis being tested in the experiment.

• The dependent variable is a constant that does not change during the experiment.

• The dependent variable is the variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

• The dependent variable is the outcome measured in an experiment that is affected by the independent variable.

What are extraneous variables and why are they important?

• Extraneous variables are the main variables being tested in an experiment.

• Extraneous variables are non-target variables that can affect the results of an experiment, and they are important because they can lead to misleading conclusions if not controlled.

• Extraneous variables are irrelevant factors that enhance the validity of an experiment.

• Extraneous variables are always controlled and do not affect the results.

How can researchers minimize the impact of extraneous variables?

• Use randomization, control, and standardization.

• Use subjective measures for data collection

• Ignore outliers in the data analysis

• Increase sample size without controls

What ethical considerations must be taken into account when conducting experiments?

• Financial gain for researchers

• Maximizing sample size without limits

• Informed consent, participant welfare, confidentiality, and research integrity.

• Publicity for the institution

What is the significance of random assignment in experimental research?

• Random assignment helps eliminate bias and ensures that groups are comparable, enhancing the validity of the experiment.

• Random assignment is used to increase sample size.

• Random assignment is only necessary for qualitative research.

• Random assignment guarantees that the treatment is effective.