How do I conduct an experimental
research design?
• Manipulate an independent
variable, measure a dependent variable
This hypothetical research study has
two essential ingredients of an experiment: an independent
variable and a dependent variable. An independent
variable is controlled, or manipulated, by
the researcher. In this hypothetical experiment, the variable
we controlled is the presence or absence of an apology
in the scenario. Researchers measure dependent
variables to determine the effect of the independent
variable. In this hypothetical experiment, the dependent
variable is participants' rating on the revenge question.
If the presence of an apology affects people's desire
for revenge, there should be a difference in participants'
ratings in the two conditions.
Should people
participate in all conditions of my experiment?