Experimental Design Notes:

 STEPS IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. Develop Theory
• ex:  Low self-esteem contributes to depression.
2. Form Hypothesis
• ex:  A poor reported self-image will correlate with depression score.
3. Carry out Observation
• ex: Engage subjects, administer tests, analyze data.
4. Refine Theory
• ex:  Report finding precisely enough to permit replication and revision of theory.
5. Start back at Step #1

SUMMARY OF EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

• Independent Variable  (I.V.):  The experimental factor you manipulate; the treatment itself.
• Dependent Variable  (D.V.):  The behavior measured; the factor that might be affected by changes in the independent variable.
• Experimental Condition:  The condition that exposes subjects to one version of the independent variable.
• Control Condition:  A condition identical to the experimental one, except the independent variable has a different value, such as zero.
• Random Assignment:  Assigning subjects to conditions by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between those in the different conditions.