Allahabad Bible Seminary, Uttar Pradesh
2022-2023
B.D Orientation, English
Subject : Psychology
Subject Code: BOS17
Unit: - II. Methods used in Psychology
1. Experimental methods
2. Hypnosis
Submitted to: Dr. Moakumla longkumer mam.
Submitted by: - Ms. Lalruathlui & Mr. Praveen P Suryes.
Submitted on: - 02/02/2023
Experimental Method
Definition
The word experimental come from a Latin word meaning “to try”, “put to the test”.
Experimental method is considered as the most scientific and objective method of
studying behavior. It lays emphasis on performing experiments. The experimental
method is a research process that involves following scientific guidelines to test
hypotheses and establish causal relationships between variables.1
1. The Features of the Experimental Method
There are three essential requirements of research that follows the experimental
[Link] needs to be considered empirical.
1.1. Empirical research means that the findings should be reflective of objective facts
that the researcher has observed rather than their subjective opinion.
1.2. Reliability, is important as it makes sure that research findings are consistent across
time, in different situations, settings and when applied to other people. When research is
1
S. K. MANGAL, GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (New Delhi: STERLING Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2017),32.
1
found to be reliable, then it is thought that the research findings are representative of the
population and can be applied to real-life settings. Reliability refers to how consistent the
results of an experiment are. If the results are similar when the same procedure has been
carried out on different occasions, settings or using different participants, then the
findings will be considered reliable.
1.3. Validity is how well a test measures what it intends to. Validity is important because
if the researcher is not in fact measuring what they claim they are measuring, then the
results are not accurate and cannot be accurately interpreted or applied. For example, if a
test claims it measures personality type but instead measures emotion level, it cannot be a
valid test.2
2. Experimental Variables
To understand how the experimental method works, it is important to know some key
terms.
Dependent variable: The dependent variable is the effect that the experimenter is
measuring. If a researcher was investigating how sleep influences test scores, for
example, the test scores would be the dependent variable.
Independent variable: The independent variable is the variable that the experimenter
manipulates. In the previous example, the amount of sleep an individual gets would be
the independent variable.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a tentative statement or a guess about the possible
relationship between two or more variables. In looking at how sleep influences test
scores, the researcher might hypothesize that people who get more sleep will perform
better on a math test the following day. The purpose of the experiment, then, is to either
support or reject this hypothesis.3
3. Types of Experiments
2
CLIFFORD T. MORGAN, A Brief Introduction To Psychology, second Edition ed. (New Delhi: McGraw Hill
Education (India) Private Limited, 2013), 19-26.
3
Carol Tavris, Psychology: Carole Wade Dominican University of California, Eight Edition ed. (New Delhi:
Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd, 2006), 51-52.
2
There are a few different types of experiments that researchers might use when studying
psychology. Each has pros and cons depending on the participants being studied, the
hypothesis, and the resources available to conduct the research.
3.1. Field Experiments
Sometimes researchers opt to conduct their experiments in the field. For example, a
social psychologist interested in researching prosocial behavior might have a person
pretend to faint and observe how long it takes onlookers to respond. This type of
experiment can be a great way to see behavioral responses in realistic settings. But it is
more difficult for researchers to control the many variables existing in these settings that
could potentially influence the experiment's results.
3.2. Quasi-Experiments
While lab experiments are known as true experiments, researchers can also utilize a
quasi-experiment. Quasi-experiments are often referred to as natural experiments because
the researchers do not have true control over the independent variable.
A researcher looking at personality differences and birth order, for example, is not able to
manipulate the independent variable in the situation (personality traits). Participants also
cannot be randomly assigned because they naturally fall into pre-existing groups based on
their birth order. So why would a researcher use a quasi-experiment? This is a good
choice in situations where scientists are interested in studying phenomena in natural, real-
world settings. It's also beneficial if there are limits on research funds or time.4
4. Important of Experimental Method
Experimental psychology is important to finding play a vital role in our understanding of
the human mind and behavior. By better understanding exactly what makes people tick,
psychologists and other mental health professionals can explore new approaches to
treating psychological distress and mental illness.
4
Braj Kumar Mishra, PSYCHOLOGY The Study of Human Behavior (New Delhi: Asoke K. Ghosh Learning
Private Limited, 2008),
3
Bibliography
MANGAL, S. K. GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.,
2017.
MORGAN, T. CLIFFORD. A Brief Introduction to Psychology, second Edition ed. New
Delhi: McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited, 2013.
Mishra, Braj Kumar. PSYCHOLOGY The Study of Human Behaviors. New Delhi:
Asoke K. Ghosh Learning Private Limited, 2008.
Tavris, Carol. Psychology: Carole Wade Dominican University of California, Eight
Edition ed. New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd, 2006.
