Experiment in psychology is a special experience that takes place in special conditions with the aim of gaining new knowledge, by intervening the researcher in the life of the one who agreed to the tests. This is a full-fledged study that corresponds to a change in some factors in order to track the results of the changes. In the broadest sense, the method of experiment in psychology can include additional interrogation and testing.
Peculiarities of the experiment in psychology
It is worth noting that the observation and experiment in psychology in themselves have significant differences from experiments in other fields of science. In this case, there is always the possibility that the result will be a study of the wrong object, which was the ultimate goal.
For example, when a chemist studies the properties of a substance, he knows exactly what he is dealing with. But the human psyche does not lend itself to constructive observations, and its activity is judged solely by its manifestations. Those. it is impossible to predict the reaction of the psyche. For example, the experimenter wants to know how the glow of a particular shade affects the psyche, and the subject reacts not to this but to a personal attitude toward the experimenter. That is why the very concept of experiment in psychology is very complex and multifaceted.
Types of experiment in psychology
By itself, this method of research in psychology, as an experiment, is divided into laboratory, natural and formative experiments. To this, it is possible to subdivide into a flight study (primary) and the actual experiment. They can be either explicit or hidden. Consider them all.
The following types of experiments in psychology are distinguished by the method of carrying out:
- laboratory experiment. This is the most prestigious, respected, and at the same time widespread type of experiment. It provides the most accurate control of variables - both dependent and independent.
- natural (field) experiment. This is the most unusual experiment, since it is conducted in ordinary life. Those. in fact, almost no changes occur, and the experimenter practically does not interfere, but at the same time, the observation is passing.
- forming (psycho-pedagogical) experiment. In this case, a person or a group of people take part in the training in order to form certain skills or qualities. In this case, if the result is formed, there is no need to guess why the changes occurred - the experiment is considered successful.
In addition, there is a division into explicit and hidden experiments. This affects the level of awareness of the experiment on the part of the subject.
- Explicit experiment - the subject is given exhaustive information about all the goals and tasks that this research sets himself.
- Intermediate version - the subject is given only some necessary information, the other part is either concealed or distorted.
- A hidden experiment - the subject is often unknown not only about the purpose of the experiment, but also about its very fact.
Thus, research is conducted in a variety of ways. Some of them are most suitable for studying the behavior of adults, others are ideal for considering the characteristics of children. By the way, it is on the children's audience that hidden experiments are most often cited, since children are often inclined to shut up and change their behavior if they communicate everything directly. Thus, a hidden experiment is not something of a deception area - it is a necessary measure for obtaining adequate results.