PSYB01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Internal Validity, Latin Square, Cognitive Training
Document Summary
Cause and effect, it dictates an experimental design known simply as a true experiment. An experiment is a controlled investigation in which one or more variables are manipulated. In a true experiment, a researcher has complete control over the manipulation of the independent variable. Such experimental control allows for testing whether systematically varying the independent variable causes changes in the dependent variable. The defining feature of an experiment is the degree of control a researcher exercises over all aspects of the study design. The researcher directly controls the formation of groups, controls what levels of the independent variables are to be manipulated, how the experiment is conducted by holding constant certain aspects, such as the time, place, and setting of the study. Such experimental control is thus built in to a study"s design. A researcher can also exercise statistical control in analyzing data. A reasearcher exercises control in a study by holding constant as many extraneous variables as possible.
