Experiments in Psychology

 

Humans have always been curious to know how things work. They want to know what the true nature of thing is and not what their biases make them to believe. It is due to this curiosity and need; the scientific approach is developed. In scientific approach, we apply our best critical thinking skills to explain a theory/phenomenon. Experimentation is the only method of scientific approach that explains behavior. It is due to this reason that experiments have been dominated in the study of psychology.

Scope of Psychology Experiments

The scope of psychology experiments refers to all those theories, concepts, knowledge and laws that are covered in the experiments done by psychologists and researchers. It encompasses all the branches of psychology- Humanistic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Positive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, etc. Hence, the scope of psychology experiments is broad and multifaceted.

Experiments are different from other forms of research approaches as it uses two variables: one is controlled and the other is not (Kantowitz, Elmes, & Roediger III, 2014). Experiments aims to find the affect of changing variable on the uncontrolled variable. It uses two scenarios to find the extent of this effect. This is why it can give statements on causation. It is also efficient and not time consuming as opposed to naturalistic observation. Through experimentation, data can be derived quickly.

Therefore, experiments are used by cognitive psychologists to understand the concept of brain and memory, the neural connections and the development of cognitive abilities. Development of life as a whole from birth to death is understood by developmentalists through experimentation. Experiments are also used in personality psychology to understand personality traits and their relation to environment, others and well-being. They are even used to understand culture and society. Experiments have given birth to many new fields too.

Experiments of psychology are also used by other branches of studies like biology, commerce, management, etc. Many researches use experiments of psychology to conduct their own experiments.

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