Experimental Research
Procedures carried out under controlled conditions for the purpose of testing hypotheses, in which a scientific investigator actively intervenes and alters the independent variable(s), observing the effect on the dependent variable, while holding all probable causal factors – other than the independent variable being manipulated – constant, thereby permitting an assessment of its effect on an outcome measure or dependent variable. Enables the drawing of valid conclusions regarding causal phenomena.

(see also: Studies – Scientific or Empirical, science, control group, double-blind, experimenter bias, randomized assignment, confound/confounding, variable, correlation, statistical significance)

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Glossary of selected Judgement & Decision-making, Belief-related, and other Psychology terms A-Z »