Module 7: Psychological research methods
7.1. Experimental research

Psychology is the science that studies human behavior, thinking, and emotions. In order to understand how the human mind works, psychologists use various research methods.

Experimental research is one of the main methods of psychological research. It allows scientists to study the relationship between different variables, as well as determine causal relationships. During the experiment, an independent variable is manipulated to find out how this manipulation affects the dependent variable.

Before conducting an experiment, it is necessary to formulate a hypothesis and determine the research goals. Then the study design is planned, participants are selected, and an experimental procedure is developed.

One of the key aspects of experimental research is the control of external variables. This ensures that any changes to the dependent variable will be due to manipulation of the independent variable, and not to any external factors.

There are several types of experiments, including laboratory experiments, field experiments, and field experiments. Laboratory experiments are conducted in a controlled environment, field experiments are conducted in real conditions, and field experiments are conducted in nature, in which scientists study already occurring events without intervention.

The advantages of the experimental method of research in psychology include the ability to establish causal relationships, control over external variables, and the ability to repeat and verify results. However, there are also disadvantages, such as insufficient representativeness of the sample and lack of realism of the environment.

In conclusion, experimental research plays an important role in the development of psychology, enabling scientists to test hypotheses, establish causal relationships, and test theories. It is a powerful tool for studying human behavior and mental processes.