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Experimental Method. METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY. 1.Experimental Method 2.Observation Method 3.Clinical Method. EXPERIMENTAL RESERACH. Experimental research is one where the variables can be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Experimental Research Laboratory Experiments Field Experiments.
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METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY 1.Experimental Method 2.Observation Method 3.Clinical Method
EXPERIMENTAL RESERACH • Experimental research is one where the variables can be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Experimental Research Laboratory Experiments Field Experiments
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD Definition Cattell (1965) defined experimental method as a serial process in which experimenter sets the condition of observation isolates the facts to be observed, manipulates and control the relevant variables in set and controlled conditions.
EXPLAINING DEFINITION • Serial process • Sets the condition of observation • Isolates the facts to be observed • Manipulates the relevant variables • In set and controlled conditions
STEPS OF EXPERIMENTATION STATING THE PROBLEM • Qualities of a problem • It must be solvable. • Answerable with the tools present. • The problem may be concerned with any aspect of behaviour whether it is judged to be important or trivial.
Sources of a Problem • Studying past research • Journals • An experimenter may select problem of his own interest.
Formulating the Hypothesis Hypothesis is a tentative solution to the Problem Types of Hypothesis Universal Existential Positive Negative Null • Sources for Formulation of Hypothesis • Abstract Similarities • Forming Analogies • Extrapolating from previous research
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis • Testable • General harmony with other hypothesis in the field of investigation • Parsimonious • Answer particular problem addressed and not some other one • Logical simplicity • Expressed in quantified form • Large number of consequences • General in scope
Selecting Participants The type of participant studied will be determined by the nature of the problem. Assigning Participants to Groups Participants should be assigned to groups in such a way that the groups will be approximately equivalent at the start of the experiment. It is done by randomization. The group receiving experimental treatment is called experimental group and the other group is called control group.
Defining the Variables Variable is anything that can change its value. Types of Variables Independent Dependent Organismic Continuous Discrete
Determining Influence of Independent Variable To determine the influence of Independent variable the experimenter administers one value of it to experimental group and the other to control group. For this purpose there are several approaches-: • Between group design • Within group design • Direct manipulation • Manipulation by selection • Single Vs Factorial design
Controlling extraneous variables The experimenter must hold constant all the variables that may affect dependent variable except independent variable. • TECHNIQUES OF CONTROL • Matching • Randomization • Counterbalancing • Randomized block • Single and Double blind control
Data Collection Types of Experiment Univariate Bivariate Multivariate Conducting Statistical Tests By confronting the hypothesis with the dependent variable values of two groups the experimenter can determine if the hypothesis accurately predicted the results.For this we must resort to statistics like computing mean, median, chi-square etc.
Generalizing the Hypothesis The experimenter may believe that the hypothesis is true for specific condition under which it was tested. He further generalize the result on population concerned. Making Prediction A hypothesis may be used to predict certain events in new situations .
Replication Additional experiment is conducted in which the method of the first experiment is repeated. Explanation The relationship between the Independent and Dependent variable may be formulated as an empirical law, particularly if its relationship has been confirmed in replication of experiment and finally we explain an empirical law by means of some appropriate theory.
Merits of Experimental method • Artificial situations almost similar to natural conditions can be created in the lab. Hence it saves time. • It is a scientific method. • Problems are objectively studied. • Problem can be replicated thus the results can be verified. • Results are objective hence free from personal feelings, biases, prejudices of the experimenter as well as the subject. • Results are pure and dependable therefore the predictions can be made.
Demerits of Experimental Method • In artificial environment subjects may not behave naturally. • It is very difficult to all the control extraneous variables properly. • Limited scope on several problems e.g. social problems.
