Experimental Psychology

Hey Guys, if you like this post comment below share this page to your friends and let me know your suggestions in comments !!

Founded by William Wundt

Experimental method in psychology :-

It is another scientific method of psychology founded by William wundt at Leipzig laboratory, Germany, this is an observation done under controlled conditions.

In an experiment,the experimenter does three main functions lies on control method :-

·         He changes or varies some event which are hypothesized to have an effect.

·         Keeps other conditions constant.

·         Looks for an effect of the change or variation upon the behaviour choosen for observation.

Thus,the method is simple enough. But it is highly technical and follows a pre-planned systematic order of observation, pre-planning involves :-

·         Careful definition and analysis of the problem.

·         Formulation of hypothesis

·         Classification of variables.

·         Techniques of controlling extraneous or relevant variables.

·         Detailing of systematic procedures of observation.

Hence, an experiment is also termed as ‘ systematic’ or ‘ pre-planned’ observation.

Variable :-  As stated above, experiment involve variables. A variable is that which varies, variables are those attributes of objects, events, things, and being which can be varied and measured.

Viz breathing or sudden noise is a fact or event. These events are not static, rather they vary or change in quality or quantity. A noise may vary in its intensity of loudness. It may be rapid or slow , deep or shallow. In the similar way, all events, facts, things attributes etc which vary are variables.

Types of variables :-  

·         Independent variable :- Independent variables are those whose effects are studied in an experiment.

·         Dependent variables :- Dependent variable is an experiment is a factor about which the experimenter makes a prediction regarding the possible changes due to manipulation of the independent variable in a certain way. Example :- Suppose  a medical scientist plans an experiment to study the effect of vit.’x’ on maze learning activity of rats. Here, vit.’x’ is an independent variable because the experimenter is likely to vary this variable in certain ways ( i.e. giving vit.’x’ to some rats and not to others or giving more to some than others). The resultant effects or changes on learning ability of rats will be dependent variable in this experiment.

 

So, in course of planning an experiment, the experimenter also identifies some more independent variable which may influence the dependent variable. But, since the effects of these independent variables are beyond the preview of study in the experiment, these are called extraneous variables which are kept under control (kept constant) . This is done with a view to ensure greatest possible accuracy and clarity of result.

Thus, the purpose of an experiment is to establish an invariable relationship between any two or more than two variables. This relationship explains the “ cause and effect relations” of behaviour events. This purpose is achieved by manipulating the independent variable ( cause) and observing its resultant effects ( result) in a systematic order.

 

Merits of experimental method :-  

·         Most objective and impartial; one of the objectives of psychology is objective collection of facts about behaviour events. The experimenter notes what the subject does in a particular condition and not what he feels or thinks.

·         Control; control is another important characteristics because extraneous variables remain controlled, therefore, obtained facts are more reliable, valid and accurate.

·         Replication; we can report an experiment again and again and be sure of the observation. This makes the observation reliable.

·         Quantitative analysis; Through experiment, data are obtained in quantitative form. Therefore, statistical analysis is possible which makes the analysis precised and solid.

·         Wider applicability; experimental method has wider applicability. It can be applied on all living beings of all the ages.

·         Standardization; experiments are performed under standard conditions. Therefore, it is one of the standardized methods of study.

 Limitations :-

·         Experiment cannot be always used. In psychological experiments, the experimenter works with livings – peoples or animals. These subjects are not docile. Therefore, they are not always willing to cooperate.

 Example :- it is hardly possible to experiment with what makes a happy marriage.

·         Experiment is artificially arranged. Hence, the observed facts under artificial conditions are also likely to be artificial. Under the circumstances, the responses of the subjects may not mean the same as it really means.

·         Experiment is high technical, it requires well trained experimenter who has obtained knowledge of its technical implications.

·         Most of the experiment require sophisticated apparatus and well developed laboratory conditions. This involve huge finance.

·         Most of the variables are  beyond control of the experimenter. Hence, absolute accuracy of observation is not possible.