Behaviour is studied through the experimental method by systematically manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships between those variables and observed behaviors.
The experimental method is a cornerstone of psychological research, aiming to understand and explain behaviour by identifying the factors that influence it. Here's a breakdown of how this is achieved:
Key Components of the Experimental Method in Studying Behaviour:
- Independent Variable (IV): This is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes. It is the presumed cause of any observed changes in behaviour.
- Example: A researcher might manipulate the amount of sleep participants get (e.g., 4 hours, 8 hours) to see how it affects their test performance.
- Dependent Variable (DV): This is the variable that is measured by the researcher. It is the presumed effect of the manipulation of the independent variable.
- Example: In the sleep study, the dependent variable would be the participants' scores on a test.
- Control Group: This is a group of participants who do not receive the experimental treatment (i.e., the manipulation of the independent variable). They serve as a baseline against which to compare the experimental group.
- Example: A control group in the sleep study might get their normal amount of sleep (e.g., 7-9 hours).
- Experimental Group: This is the group of participants who do receive the experimental treatment.
- Example: The experimental group(s) would be those who receive the manipulated amount of sleep (e.g., 4 or 8 hours).
- Random Assignment: Participants are randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group(s). This helps to ensure that the groups are as similar as possible at the beginning of the experiment, minimizing the impact of extraneous variables.
- Control of Extraneous Variables: Researchers attempt to control for any variables other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable. These are called extraneous variables.
- Example: In the sleep study, researchers might control for factors like diet, caffeine intake, and pre-existing medical conditions. This can be done through careful screening, standardization of procedures, and statistical control.
Steps in Studying Behaviour Experimentally:
- Formulate a Hypothesis: A testable statement about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
- Example: "Getting 8 hours of sleep will improve test performance compared to getting 4 hours of sleep."
- Design the Experiment: Decide on the specific manipulation of the IV, how the DV will be measured, and how participants will be assigned to groups.
- Conduct the Experiment: Carry out the manipulation of the IV and measure the DV for all participants.
- Analyze the Data: Use statistical techniques to determine if there is a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group.
- Draw Conclusions: Based on the data analysis, determine whether the results support the hypothesis.
Example: Studying the Effect of Social Media on Self-Esteem
A researcher wants to investigate whether social media use affects self-esteem.
- Independent Variable: Amount of time spent on social media (e.g., 30 minutes per day vs. 3 hours per day).
- Dependent Variable: Self-esteem score (measured using a standardized self-esteem scale).
- Control Group: Participants who use social media for an average amount of time (e.g., 1 hour per day).
- Experimental Group: Participants are assigned to either the low social media use group (30 minutes) or the high social media use group (3 hours).
- Procedure: Participants complete a baseline self-esteem questionnaire. Then, they are instructed to use social media for the assigned amount of time for a week. At the end of the week, they complete the self-esteem questionnaire again.
- Analysis: The researcher compares the change in self-esteem scores between the groups.
By carefully manipulating the independent variable (social media use) and controlling for other factors, the researcher can draw conclusions about whether social media use has a causal effect on self-esteem.
In summary, the experimental method provides a rigorous framework for studying behaviour by manipulating variables, controlling for extraneous factors, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence. This allows researchers to identify cause-and-effect relationships and develop a deeper understanding of the factors that influence behaviour.
