Chapter 1. Experimental Design

Short Description

This video explains how experimental designs are used in research. Some research uses observation, case studies, and survey methods to answer a research question; however, these methods are unable to provide information about cause and effect. To go beyond gathering information and isolating trends and move toward the question of cause and effect, experiments must be conducted. Experiments utilize procedures based on the scientific method. There needs to be an initial hypothesis to guide the experiment.

Long Description

This video discusses an experimental study design investigating the fusiform gyrus, a part of the brain important in facial recognition. The research staff wanted to investigate how the role of learning could develop expertise beyond facial recognition in this part of the brain. The study utilized brain imaging and behavioral screening. The researchers identified the Independent Variable, the variable the experimenter controls or manipulates, and the Dependent Variable the variable of measurement. It is important to recruit participants for both the experimental and control group conditions, as you would expect to see a difference in those two groups. Random assignment is important to minimize the possible influence of confounding variables.

Questions