PSYC 2360 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Null Hypothesis, Random Assignment, Statistical Hypothesis Testing

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2360
• Professor: Gloriagonzalez-morales

Document Summary

Researchers are mostly interested in answering questions about how and when change in independent variables cause changes in dependent variables. In an experimental design the investigator manipulates the independent variable or variables by arranging different experiences for the research participants and then assess the impact of these differences on one or more measured dependent variables. Experiments must be conducted very carefully: with great attention to how the research participants are treated and how they are responding to the experimental situation. When experiments are conducted the fact that the independent variable is being manipulated rather than measured allows us to be more confident that any observed changes on the dependent measure were caused by the independent variable. To make inferences about causality three factors must be considered: association, temporal priority, control of common-causal variables. The three factors mentioned above form the basis of experimental research.