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The experimental method involves the manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The key features are controlled methods and the random allocation of participants into controlled and experimental groups .
An experiment is an investigation in which a hypothesis is scientifically tested. An independent variable (the cause) is manipulated in an experiment, and the dependent variable (the effect) is measured; any extraneous variables are controlled.
An advantage is that experiments should be objective. The researcher’s views and opinions should not affect a study’s results. This is good as it makes the data more valid and less biased.
There are three types of experiments you need to know:
A laboratory experiment in psychology is a research method in which the experimenter manipulates one or more independent variables and measures the effects on the dependent variable under controlled conditions.
A laboratory experiment is conducted under highly controlled conditions (not necessarily a laboratory) where accurate measurements are possible.
The researcher uses a standardized procedure to determine where the experiment will take place, at what time, with which participants, and in what circumstances.
Participants are randomly allocated to each independent variable group.
Examples are Milgram’s experiment on obedience and Loftus and Palmer’s car crash study .
A field experiment is a research method in psychology that takes place in a natural, real-world setting. It is similar to a laboratory experiment in that the experimenter manipulates one or more independent variables and measures the effects on the dependent variable.
However, in a field experiment, the participants are unaware they are being studied, and the experimenter has less control over the extraneous variables .
Field experiments are often used to study social phenomena, such as altruism, obedience, and persuasion. They are also used to test the effectiveness of interventions in real-world settings, such as educational programs and public health campaigns.
An example is Holfing’s hospital study on obedience .
A natural experiment in psychology is a research method in which the experimenter observes the effects of a naturally occurring event or situation on the dependent variable without manipulating any variables.
Natural experiments are conducted in the day (i.e., real life) environment of the participants, but here, the experimenter has no control over the independent variable as it occurs naturally in real life.
Natural experiments are often used to study psychological phenomena that would be difficult or unethical to study in a laboratory setting, such as the effects of natural disasters, policy changes, or social movements.
For example, Hodges and Tizard’s attachment research (1989) compared the long-term development of children who have been adopted, fostered, or returned to their mothers with a control group of children who had spent all their lives in their biological families.
Here is a fictional example of a natural experiment in psychology:
Researchers might compare academic achievement rates among students born before and after a major policy change that increased funding for education.
In this case, the independent variable is the timing of the policy change, and the dependent variable is academic achievement. The researchers would not be able to manipulate the independent variable, but they could observe its effects on the dependent variable.
Ecological validity.
The degree to which an investigation represents real-life experiences.
These are the ways that the experimenter can accidentally influence the participant through their appearance or behavior.
The clues in an experiment lead the participants to think they know what the researcher is looking for (e.g., the experimenter’s body language).
The variable the experimenter manipulates (i.e., changes) is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.
Variable the experimenter measures. This is the outcome (i.e., the result) of a study.
All variables which are not independent variables but could affect the results (DV) of the experiment. EVs should be controlled where possible.
Variable(s) that have affected the results (DV), apart from the IV. A confounding variable could be an extraneous variable that has not been controlled.
Randomly allocating participants to independent variable conditions means that all participants should have an equal chance of participating in each condition.
The principle of random allocation is to avoid bias in how the experiment is carried out and limit the effects of participant variables.
Changes in participants’ performance due to their repeating the same or similar test more than once. Examples of order effects include:
(i) practice effect: an improvement in performance on a task due to repetition, for example, because of familiarity with the task;
(ii) fatigue effect: a decrease in performance of a task due to repetition, for example, because of boredom or tiredness.
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The mind is a complicated place. Fortunately, the scientific method is perfectly equipped to deal with complexity. If we put these two things together we have the field of experimental psychology, broadly defined as the scientific study of the mind. The word “experimental” in this context means that tests are administered to participants, outcomes are measured, and comparisons are made.
More formally, this means that a group of participants are exposed to a stimulus (or stimuli), and their behavior in response is recorded. This behavior is compared to some kind of control condition, which could be either a neutral stimulus, the absence of a stimulus, or against a control group (who maybe do nothing at all).
Experimental psychology is concerned with testing theories of human thoughts, feelings, actions, and beyond – any aspect of being human that involves the mind. This is a broad category that features many branches within it (e.g. behavioral psychology , cognitive psychology). Below, we will go through a brief history of experimental psychology, the aspects that characterize it, and outline research that has gone on to shape this field.
As with anything, and perhaps particularly with scientific ideas, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment in which a thought or approach was conceived. One of the best candidates with which to credit the emergence of experimental psychology with is Gustav Fechner who came to prominence in the 1830’s. After completing his Ph.D in biology at the University of Leipzig [1], and continuing his work as a professor, he made a significant breakthrough in the conception of mental states.
Scientists later wrote about Fechner’s breakthrough for understanding perception: “An increase in the intensity of a stimulus, Fechner argued, does not produce a one-to-one increase in the intensity of the sensation … For example, adding the sound of one bell to that of an already ringing bell produces a greater increase in sensation than adding one bell to 10 others already ringing. Therefore, the effects of stimulus intensities are not absolute but are relative to the amount of sensation that already exists.” [2]
This ultimately meant that mental perception is responsive to the material world – the mind doesn’t passively respond to a stimulus (if that was the case, there would be a linear relationship between the intensity of a stimulus and the actual perception of it), but is instead dynamically responsive to it. This conception ultimately shapes much of experimental psychology, and the grounding theory: that the response of the brain to the environment can be quantified .
Fechner went on to research within this area for many subsequent years, testing new ideas regarding human perception. Meanwhile, another German scientist working in Heidelberg to the West, began his work on the problem of multitasking, and created the next paradigm shift for experimental psychology. The scientist was Wilhem Wundt, who had followed the work of Gustav Fechner.
Wilhem Wundt is often credited with being “the father of experimental psychology” and is the founding point for many aspects of it. He began the first experimental psychology lab, scientific journal, and ultimately formalized the approach as a science. Wundt set in stone what Fechner had put on paper.
The next scientist to advance the field of experimental psychology was influenced directly by reading Fechner’s book “ Elements of Psychophysics ”. Hermann Ebbinghaus, once again a German scientist, carried out the first properly formalized research into memory and forgetting, by using long lists of (mostly) nonsense syllables (such as: “VAW”, “TEL”, “BOC”) and recording how long it took for people to forget them.
Experiments using this list, concerning learning and memory, would take up much of Ebbinghaus’ career, and help cement experimental psychology as a science. There are many other scientists’ whose contributions helped pave the way for the direction, approach, and success of experimental psychology (Hermann von Helmholtz, Ernst Weber, and Mary Whiton Calkins, to name just a few) – all played a part in creating the field as we know it today. The work that they did defined the field, providing it with characteristics that we’ll now go through below.
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Defining any scientific field is in itself no exact science – there are inevitably aspects that will be missed. However, experimental psychology features at least three central components that define it: empiricism, falsifiability, and determinism . These features are central to experimental psychology but also many other fields within science.
Empiricism refers to the collection of data that can support or refute a theory. In opposition to purely theoretical reasoning, empiricism is concerned with observations that can be tested. It is based on the idea that all knowledge stems from observations that can be perceived, and data surrounding them can be collected to form experiments.
Falsifiability is a foundational aspect of all contemporary scientific work. Karl Popper , a 20th century philosopher, formalized this concept – that for any theory to be scientific there must be a way to falsify it. Otherwise, ludicrous, but unprovable claims could be made with equal weight as the most rigorously tested theories.
For example, the Theory of Relativity is scientific, for example, because it is possible that evidence could emerge to disprove it. This means that it can be tested. An example of an unfalsifiable argument is that the earth is younger than it appears, but that it was created to appear older than it is – any evidence against this is dismissed within the argument itself, rendering it impossible to falsify, and therefore untestable.
Determinism refers to the notion that any event has a cause before it. Applied to mental states, this means that the brain responds to stimuli, and that these responses can ultimately be predicted, given the correct data.
These aspects of experimental psychology run throughout the research carried out within this field. There are thousands of articles featuring research that have been carried out within this vein – below we will go through just a few of the most influential and well-cited studies that have shaped this field, and look to the future of experimental psychology.
Little albert.
One of the most notorious studies within experimental psychology was also one of the foundational pieces of research for behaviorism. Popularly known as the study of “Little Albert”, this experiment, carried out in 1920, focused on whether a baby could be made to fear a stimulus through conditioning (conditioning refers to the association of a response to a stimulus) [3].
The psychologist, John B. Watson , devised an experiment in which a baby was exposed to an unconditioned stimulus (in this case, a white rat) at the same time as a fear-inducing stimulus (the loud, sudden sound of a hammer hitting a metal bar). The repetition of this loud noise paired with the appearance of the white rat eventually led to the white rat becoming a conditioned stimulus – inducing the fear response even without the sound of the hammer.
While the study was clearly problematic, and wouldn’t (and shouldn’t!) clear any ethical boards today, it was hugely influential for its time, showing how human emotional responses can be shaped intentionally by conditioning – a feat only carried out with animals prior to this [4].
Watson, later referred to by a previous professor of his as a person “who thought too highly of himself and was more interested in his own ideas than in people” [5], was later revered and reviled in equal measure [2]. While his approach has since been rightly questioned, the study was a breakthrough for the conception of human behavior .
Three decades following Watson’s infamous experiment, beliefs were studied rather than behavior. Research carried out by Solomon Asch in 1951 showed how the influence of group pressure could make people say what they didn’t believe.
The goal was to examine how social pressures “induce individuals to resist or to yield to group pressures when the latter are perceived to be contrary to fact” [6]. Participant’s were introduced to a group of seven people in which, unbeknownst to them, all other individuals were actors hired by Asch. The task was introduced as a perceptual test, in which the length of lines was to be compared.
Sets of lines were shown to the group of participants – three on one card, one on another (as in the image above). The apparent task was to compare the three lines and say which was most like the single line in length. The answers were plainly obvious, and in one-on-one testing, participants got a correct answer over 99% of the time. Yet in this group setting, in which each actor, one after the other, incorrectly said an incorrect line out loud, the answers of the participants would change.
On average, around 38% of the answers the participants gave were incorrect – a huge jump from the less than 1% reported in non-group settings. The study was hugely influential for showing how our actions can be impacted by the environment we are placed in, particularly when it comes to social factors.
If you don’t know this research from the title already, then it’s best experienced by watching the video below, and counting the number of ball passes.
The research of course has little to do with throwing a ball around, but more to do with the likelihood of not seeing the person in a gorilla costume who appears in the middle of the screen for eight seconds. The research, carried out in 1999, investigated how our attentional resources can impact how we perceive the world [7]. The term “ inattentional blindness ” refers to the effective blindness of our perceptions when our attention is engaged in another task.
The study tested how attentional processing is distributed, suggesting that objects that are more relevant to the task are more likely to be seen than objects which simply have close spatial proximity (very roughly – something expected is more likely to be seen even if it’s further away, whereas something unexpected is less likely to be seen even if it’s close).
The research not only showed the effect of our perceptions on our experience, but also has real-world implications. A replication of this study was done using eye tracking to record the visual search of radiologists who were instructed to look for nodules on one of several X-rays of lungs [8]. As the researchers state “A gorilla, 48 times the size of the average nodule, was inserted in the last case that was presented . Eighty-three percent of the radiologists did not see the gorilla.”
The original study, and research that followed since, has been crucial for showing how our expectations about the environment can shape our perceptions. Modern research has built upon each of the ideas and studies that have been carried out across almost 200 years.
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The majority of this article has been concerned with what experimental psychology is, where it comes from, and what it has achieved so far. An inevitable follow-up question to this is – where is it going?
While predictions are difficult to make, there are at least indications. The best place to look is to experts in the field. Schultz and Schultz refer to modern psychology “as the science of behavior and mental processes instead of only behavior, a science seeking to explain overt behavior and its relationship to mental processes.” [2].
The Association for Psychological Science (APS) asked for forecasts from several prominent psychology researchers ( original article available here ), and received some of the following responses.
Lauri Nummenmaa (Assistant professor, Aalto University, Finland) predicts a similar path to Schultz and Schultz, stating that “a major aim of the future psychological science would involve re-establishing the link between the brain and behavior”. While Modupe Akinola (Assistant professor, Columbia Business School) hopes “that advancements in technology will allow for more unobtrusive ways of measuring bodily responses”.
Kristen Lindquist (Assistant professor of psychology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine) centers in on emotional responses, saying that “We are just beginning to understand how a person’s expectations, knowledge, and prior experiences shape his or her emotions. Emotions play a role in every moment of waking life from decisions to memories to feelings, so understanding emotions will help us to understand the mind more generally.”
Tal Yarkoni (Director, Psychoinformatics Lab, University of Texas at Austin) provides a forthright assessment of what the future of experimental psychology has in store: “psychological scientists will have better data, better tools, and more reliable methods of aggregation and evaluation”.
Whatever the future of experimental psychology looks like, we at iMotions aim to keep providing all the tools needed to carry out rigorous experimental psychology research.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this introduction to experimental psychology. If you’d like to get an even closer look at the background and research within this field, then download our free guide to human behavior below.
For Beginners and Intermediates
[1] Shiraev, E. (2015). A history of psychology . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
[2] Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2011). A History of Modern Psychology . Cengage, Canada.
[3] Watson, J.B.; Rayner, R. (1920). “Conditioned emotional reactions”. Journal of Experimental Psychology . 3 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1037/h0069608.
[4] Pavlov, I. P. (1928). Lectures on conditioned reflexes . (Translated by W.H. Gantt) London: Allen and Unwin.
[5] Brewer, C. L. (1991). Perspectives on John B. Watson . In G. A. Kimble, M. Wertheimer, & C. White (Eds.), Portraits of pioneers in psychology (pp. 171–186). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
[6] Asch, S.E. (1951). Effects of group pressure on the modification and distortion of judgments . In H. Guetzkow (Ed.), Groups, leadership and men(pp. 177–190). Pittsburgh, PA:Carnegie Press.
[7] Simons, D. and Chabris, C. (1999). Gorillas in our midst: sustained inattentional blindness for dynamic events. Perception , 28(9), pp.1059-1074.
[8] Drew, T., Võ, M. L-H., Wolfe, J. M. (2013). The invisible gorilla strikes again: sustained inattentional blindness in expert observers. Psychological Science, 24 (9):1848–1853. doi: 10.1177/0956797613479386.
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Inspiration for psychology experiments is all around if you know where to look
Psychology experiments can run the gamut from simple to complex. Students are often expected to design—and sometimes perform—their own experiments, but finding great experiment ideas can be a little challenging. Fortunately, inspiration is all around if you know where to look—from your textbooks to the questions that you have about your own life.
Always discuss your idea with your instructor before beginning your experiment—particularly if your research involves human participants. (Note: You'll probably need to submit a proposal and get approval from your school's institutional review board.)
If you are looking for an idea for psychology experiments, start your search early and make sure you have the time you need. Doing background research, choosing an experimental design, and actually performing your experiment can be quite the process. Keep reading to find some great psychology experiment ideas that can serve as inspiration. You can then find ways to adapt these ideas for your own assignments.
Most of these experiments can be performed easily at home or at school. That said, you will need to find out if you have to get approval from your teacher or from an institutional review board before getting started.
The following are some questions you could attempt to answer as part of a psychological experiment:
Once you have an idea, the next step is to learn more about how to conduct a psychology experiment .
If none of the ideas in the list above grabbed your attention, there are other ways to find inspiration for your psychology experiments.
How do you come up with good psychology experiments? One of the most effective approaches is to look at the various problems, situations, and questions that you are facing in your own life.
You can also think about the things that interest you. Start by considering the topics you've studied in class thus far that have really piqued your interest. Then, whittle the list down to two or three major areas within psychology that seem to interest you the most.
From there, make a list of questions you have related to the topic. Any of these questions could potentially serve as an experiment idea.
Your psychology textbooks are another excellent source you can turn to for experiment ideas. Choose the chapters or sections that you find particularly interesting—perhaps it's a chapter on social psychology or a section on child development.
Start by browsing the experiments discussed in your book. Then think of how you could devise an experiment related to some of the questions your text asks. The reference section at the back of your textbook can also serve as a great source for additional reference material.
It can be helpful to brainstorm with your classmates to gather outside ideas and perspectives. Get together with a group of students and make a list of interesting ideas, subjects, or questions you have.
The information from your brainstorming session can serve as a basis for your experiment topic. It's also a great way to get feedback on your own ideas and to determine if they are worth exploring in greater depth.
Taking a closer look at a classic psychology experiment can be an excellent way to trigger some unique and thoughtful ideas of your own. To start, you could try conducting your own version of a famous experiment or even updating a classic experiment to assess a slightly different question.
Examples of famous psychology experiments that might be a source of further questions you'd like to explore include:
You might not be able to replicate an experiment exactly (lots of classic psychology experiments have ethical issues that would preclude conducting them today), but you can use well-known studies as a basis for inspiration.
If you have a general idea about what topic you'd like to experiment, you might want to spend a little time doing a brief literature review before you start designing. In other words, do your homework before you invest too much time on an idea.
Visit your university library and find some of the best books and articles that cover the particular topic you are interested in. What research has already been done in this area? Are there any major questions that still need to be answered? What were the findings of previous psychology experiments?
Tackling this step early will make the later process of writing the introduction to your lab report or research paper much easier.
If you have made a good effort to come up with an idea on your own but you're still feeling stumped, it might help to talk to your instructor. Ask for pointers on finding a good experiment topic for the specific assignment. You can also ask them to suggest some other ways you could generate ideas or inspiration.
While it can feel intimidating to ask for help, your instructor should be more than happy to provide some guidance. Plus, they might offer insights that you wouldn't have gathered on your own. Your instructor probably has lots of ideas for psychology experiments that would be worth exploring.
If you need to design or conduct psychology experiments, there are plenty of great ideas (both old and new) for you to explore. Consider an idea from the list above or turn some of your own questions about the human mind and behavior into an experiment.
Before you dive in, make sure that you are observing the guidelines provided by your instructor and always obtain the appropriate permission before conducting any research with human or animal subjects.
Finding a topic for a research paper is much like finding an idea for an experiment. Start by considering your own interests, or browse though your textbooks for inspiration. You might also consider looking at online news stories or journal articles as a source of inspiration.
Three of the most classic social psychology experiments are:
Jakovljević T, Janković MM, Savić AM, et al. The effect of colour on reading performance in children, measured by a sensor hub: From the perspective of gender . PLoS One . 2021;16(6):e0252622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252622
Greenberg DM, et al. Musical preferences are linked to cognitive styles . PLoS One. 2015;10(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131151
Kurt S, Osueke KK. The effects of color on the moods of college students . Sage. 2014;4(1). doi:10.1177/2158244014525423
Hartline-Grafton H, Levin M. Breakfast and School-Related Outcomes in Children and Adolescents in the US: A Literature Review and its Implications for School Nutrition Policy . Curr Nutr Rep . 2022;11(4):653-664. doi:10.1007/s13668-022-00434-z
By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
Ms experimental psychology.
Gain a Foundation in Psychology-Based Statistics and Research
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Est. Program Length
Credit Hours
36-57 hours
Course Length
Cost Per Credit
Earn a strong foundation in the principles of scholarly research with the online master’s in experimental psychology. You’ll build upon research skills you learned in your undergraduate program, including critical thinking skills, search methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and research presentation. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for further studies or immediate career opportunities.
Courses are taught by faculty with PhDs in various areas of experimental psychology. All students receive one-on-one mentoring from a psychology faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at UWA. Earn your degree fully online, at one of the most affordable institutions in the state.
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Total Hours: 36-57
This track is useful in preparation for a doctoral program in psychology. Students are required to complete a Thesis, which is an original research project developed and completed by the student. Students will take general coursework and will choose electives based on interest.
Core Curriculum: 18 hours
Statistics and Research Methods Courses: 9 hours
PY 501 | Statistics and Research Methods I | 3 |
PY 502 | Statistics and Research Methods II | 3 |
PY 503 | Research Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
Theory Courses: 9 hours
Choose 9 semester hours from the following:
PY 510 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
PY 530 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
PY 540 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
PY 550 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
Elective Courses: 12 hours
PY 500+ | Approved electives from the 500 series of PY | 12 |
Thesis: Minimum of 6 hours
PY 500 | Master’s Thesis Research | 3 |
PY 590 | Master’s Thesis | 1-3 |
Develop critical thinking and research skills as well as a clinical perspective. With proper identification and advisement, this degree can meet the requirements associated with applying for a license as a Professional Counselor (LPC). This degree alone does not fulfill the requirements for an LPC or other counseling licensing credentials. This is not a CACREP Accredited program. Please see the requirements in your state/area for full requirements. Graduates are also prepared to pursue a PhD in either research or clinical field.
Students will take core research methods coursework, as well as other coursework designed for obtaining a clinical perspective. Students have the option of completing a Thesis (recommended for those planning on pursuing a doctoral program) or completing the Comprehensive Exam.
PY 501 | Advanced Data Analysis I | 3 |
PY 502 | Advanced Data Analysis II | 3 |
PY 503 | Advanced Research Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
PY 510 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
PY 520 | The Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders | 3 |
PY 550 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
Clinical Courses: 12-24 hours
Select five to eight courses from the following:
PY 525 | Personality Assessment | 3 |
PY 526 | Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
PY 527 | The Therapeutic Relationship | 3 |
PY 528 | Health Psychology | 3 |
PY 529 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
PY 560 | Psychological Tests and Measurements | 3 |
PY 570 | Systems of Psychotherapy | 3 |
PY 595 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
PY 597 | Selected Topics in Psychology (Advisor approval required) | 1-3 |
Practicum and Internship: 6 hours
PY 598 | Psychology Practicum | 3 |
PY 599 | Internship in Counseling Psychology | 3 |
Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Option: 6 hours
This program is designed to prepare the student for clinical applications in health and sports psychology. The program focuses on the skills needed for careers in these fields. Graduates have the preparation for a doctoral program or other career options.
Students will take core research methods coursework, as well as other coursework designed for obtaining an applied perspective. Students have the option of completing a Thesis (recommended for those planning on pursuing a doctoral program) or completing the Comprehensive Exam.
PY 515 | Advanced Sports Psychology | 3 |
PY 520 | The Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders | 3 |
PY 528 | Health Psychology | 3 |
Applied Courses: 18-24 hours
Choose six to eight courses from the following:
PY 510 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
PY 529 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
PY 530 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 |
PY 540 | Advanced Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
PY 541 | Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
PY 544 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
PY 565 | Psychology and Sociology of Human Performance | 3 |
PY 595 | Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 |
PY 597 | Selected Topics in Psychology (Advisor approval required) | 1-3 |
Practicum: 3 hours
PY 598 | Psychology Practicum | 3 |
PY 500 | Master’s Thesis Research | 3 |
PY 590 | Master’s Thesis | 3 |
*This program is also offered online
Your experience at the University of West Alabama is designed to be as straightforward and convenient as possible. From the moment you apply, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance from an enrollment counselor. And once you’re in your program, you’ll have a personal success coach who can answer your questions and help with anything you need.
All students will begin the program at the beginning of either the Fall or Spring semester.
Application deadlines:
Simply follow these steps to get started.
Graduate tuition is $429 per credit hour. There is a $60 technology fee each semester.
The University of West Alabama is dedicated to keeping education costs affordable and providing students with a full range of grants, scholarships and loans. Approximately 80 percent of UWA students receive some type of financial aid to support their studies. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . The school code for UWA is 001024.
UWA may accept up to 9 hours at the Graduate level for matching courses and curriculums for most programs.
Need more information, ready to apply, transfer your credits, related degrees.
Promote the Mental Health and Wellness of Clients
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Experimental Psychology Master of Science Degree
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Contribute meaningful work to multiple fields of psychology while you explore and apply scientific methods to human development, social interactions, and behavioral relationships in an experimental psychology master’s degree targeted toward your career aspirations.
Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree
Why study experimental psychology at rit.
The experimental psychology master's degree is a broad and flexible program that provides a solid stepping-stone into careers in experimental psychology or further study in psychology. A choice of tracks–in experimental psychology or engineering psychology–allows you to customize the program around your career goals and aspirations.
In experimental psychology, you are trained to apply scientific methods to basic psychological processes in perception, brain and behavior relationships, thinking, memory, learning, social interactions, human development, and related areas. RIT's master's in experimental psychology builds on the strengths of faculty research and student interests in experimental psychology broadly defined. The experimental psychology graduate program, as a whole, provides a foundation for further advanced academic study in human factors and/or experimental psychology.
The experimental psychology degree includes core courses, elective courses, and a thesis. It also offers two tracks to choose from: experimental psychology and engineering psychology.
The experimental psychology track embraces the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior. Faculty are experts in a variety of fields including addiction, attention, cognition, development, evolutionary psychology, forensic psychology, perception, psychopathology, and social psychology, among others.
The engineering psychology track examines human capabilities to sense, perceive, store, and process information and how these human factors impact interactions with technology. This knowledge is applied to the design, use, and maintenance of human-machine systems. Courses emphasize the role of human behavior and performance in both simple and complex human-machine systems. You are trained in both research methods of experimental psychology and the application of the results to contemporary problems in industry. This track prepares you to function as an effective engineering psychologist in industrial, governmental, or consulting organizations.
Electives: If you choose the engineering psychology track, you must select two electives. Any graduate course at RIT can be taken as an elective, assuming prerequisites are met.
Capstone or Thesis: As part of the master's in experimental psychology, you will choose either a capstone project or a thesis. Students who select the capstone project will embark on a range of projects to demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge in various assignments. A variety of written projects (white paper, focused literature review, and a resume) and an oral presentation are required for you to show proficiency in your area of expertise.
Students who select to complete a thesis will select a thesis adviser in the first year, followed in the second year by a thesis topic and research proposal. You will conduct your thesis, including the collection and analysis of data, in the second year. Ongoing research activity is expected through the summer term of the program. At the completion of the thesis, you will publicly present your findings and defend your research before a thesis committee.
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Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.
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30% Tuition Scholarship for NY Residents and Graduates
Now is the perfect time to earn your Master’s degree. If you’re a New York state resident with a bachelor’s degree or have/will graduate from a college or university in New York state, you are eligible to receive a 30% tuition scholarship.
Learn more about Master Up NY
Typical job titles.
Research Associate | User Experience Researcher | Data Analyst |
Human Factors Researcher | Lab Director Specialist |
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. A liberal arts co-op provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between course work and real-world applications.
The experimental psychology master's degree includes an optional cooperative education component. Co-op is generally completed in the summer after the first year of the program. The co-op experience provides experiential learning that integrates with classroom education and allows students to apply psychological principles to problems in a variety of work environments. Co-op may be completed in any business or industrial setting.
Psychology professor named a Distinguished Member
John Edlund
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, recently named RIT Psychology Professor John E. Edlund, Ph.D., a Distinguished Member, the highest honor the organization bestows.
“I love my job so much. I use the observational skills I learned through my graduate work with Dr. DeLong in the Comparative Cognition and Perception Lab every day when training my dogs."
...My experience at RIT has made me a really successful service dog trainer." — Irene Fobe, Experimental Psychology MS, '17
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
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PSYC-640 | 3 | |
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PSYC-757 | |
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BIOL-675 | |
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COGS-762 | |
HCIN-600 | |
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HCIN-630 | |
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HCIN-700 | |
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HCIN-715 | |
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HCIN-730 | |
HCIN-735 | |
HRDE-711 | |
ISEE-730 | |
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ISEE-732 | |
MATH-655 | |
MKTG-761 | |
MSSE-704 | |
PSYC-631 | |
PSYC-632 | |
PSYC-650 | |
PSYC-720 | |
PSYC-721 | |
PSYC-723 | |
STAT-611 | |
STAT-641 | |
STAT-642 | |
STAT-756 | |
STAT-775 | |
STSO-621 |
This program is available on-campus only.
Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
---|---|---|---|
Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Fall - February 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter; Spring - rolling | Yes |
Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
To be considered for admission to the Experimental Psychology MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .
TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
---|---|---|
79 | 6.5 | 56 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree .
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Prerequisites.
Applicants should have completed at least 15 semester hours of coursework in undergraduate psychology or a related field (e.g., engineering, computer science, information technology), including one course in experimental psychology and one course in statistics.
Joseph Baschnagel
Tina Sutton
Faculty in the department of psychology focus their research on a wide variety of topics across the discipline. They work closely with students to pursue their research and advise on thesis work. Learn more by exploring our psychology research areas .
January 9, 2023
Teaching STEM by playing with primates
Caroline DeLong, professor and undergraduate program director of psychology, and a team of researchers at RIT and Carnegie Mellon University are exploring the idea of engaging children with STEM skills through the lens of interacting with animals. They are working with a group of olive baboons at Rochester’s Seneca Park Zoo.
August 17, 2022
RIT Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree student enrollment steadily increases
There are 740 new RIT students enrolled in the Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree program, designed to offer highly focused, goal-oriented incoming students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work toward a bachelor’s and master’s degree, starting from the first day of classes.
March 31, 2022
RIT’s Graduate Showcase celebrates scholarship April 7
From robot waiters to river otters, RIT’s Graduate Showcase will cover a wide variety of topics representing graduate scholarship from the university’s Henrietta and global campuses. The symposium, held April 7, will feature oral presentations in the morning and poster presentations, demonstrations, and visual exhibitions in the afternoon.
Experimental psychology is an interesting subdiscipline of psychology.
On the one hand, it refers to an approach to studying human behavior – the standardized methods and techniques used to collect and analyze data. On the other hand, experimental psychology is a unique branch, an applied field of psychology that explores theoretical questions about human behavior.
So, while virtually all psychologists can engage in experimental psychology in one form or another, there are also professionals who spend their entire careers conducting applied experimental research in the field of psychology. This is what deems professionals in this field experimental psychologists.
In this guide, we’ll explore how experimental psychology developed and review some of the methods that are used in conducting studies of behavior. We’ll also discuss types of experiments, survey a few types of psychological experiments, and go over career-related information for experimental psychologists as well.
Let’s get started!
Cognitive psychology is one of the most fascinating fields today. Questions about the nature of human behavior and the connection of the body and mind go back to classic philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Likewise, the debate over nature vs nurture raged long before experimental psychologists came along in their formal and modern form.
But the centuries of philosophizing about why people behave in the manners in which they behave sparked the interest of scientific researchers to study human behavior in an empirical manner. If the principles of the scientific methods could be used for the study of behavior, perhaps scientists could provide definitive answers to the age-old questions surrounding human behavior.
This is precisely why the experimental psychologist was born.
The first experimental psychology lab in the world was founded in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt. There, Wundt primarily studied feelings and sensations in a structured manner using objective, systematized measures and controls. This mathematical and experimental approach set the precedent for the scientific methods that experimental psychologists and research centers use today.
For example, Wundt used his background in physiology to design an experiment on sensory processes in which each participant was exposed to the same stimulus, such as the sound of a metronome. Each participant was then asked to provide a report of the sensations they experienced, a process called introspection.
The goal of this experiment was to understand the underlying structure of sensory processes. That is, Wundt was interested in analyzing each of the elements of the human experience involved in sensing the stimulus – the thoughts, senses, feelings, and so forth.
Wundt believed that breaking down the process of a behavior – in this case, sensing a sound – could be done much like a chemist analyzes a chemical compound. If you examine the individual components, you can learn more about the structure underneath the individual components.
While Wundt’s process of introspection didn’t remain a long-lasting approach to studying psychological processes, his insistence on controlling the experimental environment has had a long-term impact on how psychological research is conducted.
The experiments he devised used the same conditions for the experimental subjects – the same stimuli, the same setting, the same lighting, and so forth. By controlling the environment in which research is taking place, Wundt was able to minimize potential confounding variables. Doing so is critically important for any research.
Because Wundt’s laboratory was the first in the world, he is often considered the father of modern psychology. That is, his contributions to the field shifted psychology from a philosophical pursuit to a scientific one.
In the United States, experimental psychology grew out of the efforts of G. Stanley Hall and George Trumbull Ladd .
Meanwhile, George Trumbull Ladd, who was a professor of psychology at Yale University, established one of the earliest experimental labs for psychology in the U.S. He is also credited with publishing the first experimental psychology textbook, entitled Elements of Physiological Psychology.
Another important figure in the history of experimental psychology was Wundt’s American contemporary, William James.
His textbook, The Principles of Psychology , is perhaps the most seminal work in the history of psychology. Published in 1890, the book offers insights into the experiments James performed over the course of his career teaching at Harvard. However, the book is not a manual on experimental psychology. In fact, James wasn’t particularly interested in experimental research.
Despite this, James was the first American to teach a psychology course in the United States. He also helped found functionalism, which was one of the earliest schools of thought in psychology. As a result of this, James is often referred to as the father of American psychology.
Almost everyone is familiar with certain experiments, such as a mouse trying to navigate a maze or a primate trying to figure out a puzzle. However, human experiments are much more complex. For example, the experimental psychologist must take into account extraneous variables, environmental conditions, and experimenter bias as potentially skewing the data that’s collected.
Additionally, experimental psychologists must choose an appropriate sample size, correctly define the operations of the experiment, and use sound statistical analyses. Experimental methods must be completely controlled and perfectly executed in order to stand up to peer review, which is one of the foundations of all scientific endeavors.
Experimental psychologists and scientists all believe in the same basic four principles. First, determinism means that all phenomena have some sort of systematic cause. Second, empiricism means that objective observation is the key to interpreting the world around us. Third, parsimony means that scientists prefer a minimalist approach to developing and researching theories. That is, science embraces the principle of Occam’s razor, which means that the theory with the fewest assumptions should be the logical conclusion. Finally, the fourth principle is testability. All theories must be empirically tested with applied falsifiability.
In other words, experimental psychology follows the same maxims of the physical sciences. The purpose is to use the principles of the scientific method to empirically study human behavior to arrive at testable and repeatable conclusions.
To do so, experimental research methods must be reliable and valid. Reliability refers to the consistency of observations, or the repeatability of an observation. Examples of tests of reliability include the split-half method (in which the results from one half of participants is compared to the other half) and the test-retest method (in which measurements are taken of the same group multiple times to see if the results are consistent.
Validity refers to how well a test measures what it’s intended to measure. So, an intelligence test is a valid measure of intelligence. It is not, however, a valid measure of honesty.
Additionally, the science of experimental psychology is rooted in research design. There are many types of designs that experimental psychologists can use, including:
Since experimental psychologists are involved in every branch of psychology, there is an impressive variety of experimental categories.
Social psychology uses field experiments and objective observation to understand collective behavior. For example, researchers might construct a simulated scenario that tests how participants engage in altruistic behavior, such as helping an injured stranger.
On the other hand, cognitive psychologists can use complex equipment and software to analyze the neurological reactions of participants as they watch scary or violent images.
Finally, psychologists studying abnormal behavior, such as phobias or personality disorders, could test participants with these conditions against groups of people that have not been diagnosed with these disorders.
Over the years, there have been many highly influential psychological experiments using various scientific methods. And while their influence has had far-reaching ramifications on our understanding of human behavior, some of these experiments are now viewed as having been unethical. While an experimental psychologist can make a big difference in the world after a successful experimental, their experimental methods do still have to be rational and fair. Psychology research is pointless if people are getting hurt.
In short, the goal of the experiment was to determine how people conform to social roles. To study this, Zimbardo constructed a makeshift jail in the basement of the psychology building on the Stanford campus. He then recruited 24 male students, each of which were randomly assigned to be a guard or a prisoner.
Prisoners were rounded up and brought to the “prison,” where they were booked and supervised by the group assigned to be guards. Both groups quickly adapted to the roles to which they had ben assigned, with some of the guards engaging in psychological torture of their charges. The experiment ended after just six days because the situation had become so intense and so dangerous.
Despite the questionable ethics of the experiment, it did shed light on conformity and social roles, and how people can very quickly and easily adopt roles they are expected to play, especially when those roles are highly stereotyped
According to the American Psychological Association , experimental psychologists seek to answer basic questions about human behavior and mental processes through applied research. These professional perform research to bring light to many topics.
For example, the most popular research topics include memory, emotion, perception and sensation. Typically, experimental psychologists work work in university research centers, but also work for private companies or even the government. Other experimental psychologists may also work in subfields. This may include education (to teach psychology courses), human resources and health care.
Whatever the work setting, you will need a doctorate in psychology to be an experimental psychologist. What’s more, you’ll need to specialize in a particular area of research and pursue post-doctoral studies in that area.
The job outlook for psychology as a whole is about average for the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that all psychology jobs will grow at a rate of three percent through 2029 . The BLS doesn’t provide data specific to experimental psychology, but it’s reasonable to assume that job growth in this field will be on par with the field of psychology as a whole.
In other words, with average job growth for the coming years, competition for experimental psychology jobs will likely be fierce. This is all the more reason to learn about the field, carefully plan your education, and seek out ways in which you can get real-world experience in experimental psychology. The better your combination of education and experience, the more likely you are to stand out in a crowd of other experimental psychology graduates.
Sean Jackson
B.A. Social Studies Education | University of Wyoming
M.S. Counseling | University of Wyoming
B.S. Information Technology | University of Massachusetts
Updated August 2021
What Careers are in Experimental Psychology?
What Is Human Factors Psychology?
Why do we behave in certain ways? What influences our behavior? How can our behavior shape our experiences throughout our lives?
These are just a few examples of the types of questions that experimental psychologists seek to answer through basic and applied research. In a sense, all psychologists are experimental psychologists because of the discipline’s focus on a research base for all their work. However, experimental psychologists often devote their full-time professional lives to conducting and publishing research — often spending years on a specific research question. These psychologists have a passion for solving problems and exploring theoretical questions. They study a wide range of behavioral topics among humans and animals, including sensation, perception, attention, memory, cognition, emotion and more.
Experimental psychologists use scientific methods to collect data and perform research. They can work in varied settings, including universities, research centers, the government and private businesses. The exact type of research an experimental psychologist performs may depend on a number of factors, including his or her educational background, interests and area of employment. Often, psychologists with training in experimental psychology contribute across subfields , using scientific research to provide insights that improve teaching and learning, create safer workplaces, and promote healthy child development, to list a few examples.
Those who work in academia often teach psychology courses in addition to performing research and publishing their findings in psychological journals.
A career as an experimental psychologist starts out with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Math skills and a strong grounding in how to collect and analyze data are critical to becoming an experimental psychologist.
Some people choose to work in a lab or on other research teams after earning their master’s degree. After a few years of first-hand experience, many return to school to earn a doctoral degree.
In addition, specialty areas such as human factors psychology and industrial and organizational (IO) psychology often have a very strong research focus, and professionals who work in these areas often make experimentation and research the major focus of their careers.
According to APA’s 2009 salary survey , annual salaries for doctoral-level experimental psychologists ranged from $76,090 to $116,343 depending on the psychologist’s position. The survey captured salary data for experimental psychologists working in faculty positions, research positions, research administration and applied psychology.
Have you ever wondered why some days you remember things easily, while on others you keep forgetting? Or why certain songs make you super happy and others just…meh?
Our minds are like big, mysterious puzzles, and every day we're finding new pieces to fit. One of the coolest ways to explore our brains and the way they work is through psychology experiments.
A psychology experiment is a special kind of test or activity researchers use to learn more about how our minds work and why we behave the way we do.
It's like a detective game where scientists ask questions and try out different clues to find answers about our feelings, thoughts, and actions. These experiments aren't just for scientists in white coats but can be fun activities we all try to discover more about ourselves and others.
Some of these experiments have become so famous, they’re like the celebrities of the science world! Like the Marshmallow Test, where kids had to wait to eat a yummy marshmallow, or Pavlov's Dogs, where dogs learned to drool just hearing a bell.
Let's look at a few examples of psychology experiments you can do at home.
Imagine a time when the mysteries of the mind were being uncovered in groundbreaking ways. During these moments, a few experiments became legendary, capturing the world's attention with their intriguing results.
One of the most talked-about experiments of the 20th century was the Marshmallow Test , conducted by Walter Mischel in the late 1960s at Stanford University.
The goal was simple but profound: to understand a child's ability to delay gratification and exercise self-control.
Children were placed in a room with a marshmallow and given a choice: eat the marshmallow now or wait 15 minutes and receive two as a reward. Many kids struggled with the wait, some devouring the treat immediately, while others demonstrated remarkable patience.
But the experiment didn’t end there. Years later, Mischel discovered something astonishing. The children who had waited for the second marshmallow were generally more successful in several areas of life, from school achievements to job satisfaction!
While this experiment highlighted the importance of teaching patience and self-control from a young age, it wasn't without its criticisms. Some argued that a child's background, upbringing, or immediate surroundings might play a significant role in their choices.
Moreover, there were concerns about the ethics of judging a child's potential success based on a brief interaction with a marshmallow.
Traveling further back in time and over to Russia, another classic experiment took the world by storm. Ivan Pavlov , in the early 1900s, wasn't initially studying learning or behavior. He was exploring the digestive systems of dogs.
But during his research, Pavlov stumbled upon a fascinating discovery. He noticed that by ringing a bell every time he fed his dogs, they eventually began to associate the bell's sound with mealtime. So much so, that merely ringing the bell, even without presenting food, made the dogs drool in anticipation!
This reaction demonstrated the concept of "conditioning" - where behaviors can be learned by linking two unrelated stimuli. Pavlov's work revolutionized the world's understanding of learning and had ripple effects in various areas like animal training and therapy techniques.
Pavlov came up with the term classical conditioning , which is still used today. Other psychologists have developed more nuanced types of conditioning that help us understand how people learn to perform different behaviours.
Classical conditioning is the process by which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus , leading to the same response. In Pavlov's case, the neutral stimulus (bell) became associated with the meaningful stimulus (food), leading the dogs to salivate just by hearing the bell.
Modern thinkers often critique Pavlov's methods from an ethical standpoint. The dogs, crucial to his discovery, may not have been treated with today's standards of care and respect in research.
Both these experiments, while enlightening, also underline the importance of conducting research with empathy and consideration, especially when it involves living beings.
The tales of Pavlov's bells and Mischel's marshmallows offer us not just insights into the human mind and behavior but also raise a significant question: At what cost do these discoveries come?
Ethical experimentation isn't just a fancy term; it's the backbone of good science. When we talk about ethics, we're referring to the moral principles that guide a researcher's decisions and actions. But why does it matter so much in the realm of psychological experimentation?
An example of an experiment that had major ethical issues is an experiment called the Monster Study . This study was conducted in 1936 and was interested in why children develop a stutter.
The major issue with it is that the psychologists treated some of the children poorly over a period of five months, telling them things like “You must try to stop yourself immediately. Don’t ever speak unless you can do it right.”
You can imagine how that made the children feel!
This study helped create guidelines for ethical treatment in experiments. The guidelines include:
Respect for Individuals: Whether it's a dog in Pavlov's lab or a child in Mischel's study room, every participant—human or animal—deserves respect. They should never be subjected to harm or undue stress. For humans, informed consent (knowing what they're signing up for) is a must. This means that if a child is participating, they, along with their guardians, should understand what the experiment entails and agree to it without being pressured.
Honesty is the Best Policy: Researchers have a responsibility to be truthful. This means not only being honest with participants about the study but also reporting findings truthfully, even if the results aren't what they hoped for. There can be exceptions if an experiment will only succeed if the participants aren't fully aware, but it has to be approved by an ethics committee .
Safety First: No discovery, no matter how groundbreaking, is worth harming a participant. The well-being and mental, emotional, and physical safety of participants is paramount. Experiments should be designed to minimize risks and discomfort.
Considering the Long-Term: Some experiments might have effects that aren't immediately obvious. For example, while a child might seem fine after participating in an experiment, they could feel stressed or anxious later on. Ethical researchers consider and plan for these possibilities, offering support and follow-up if needed.
The Rights of Animals: Just because animals can't voice their rights doesn't mean they don't have any. They should be treated with care, dignity, and respect. This means providing them with appropriate living conditions, not subjecting them to undue harm, and considering alternatives to animal testing when possible.
While the world of psychological experiments offers fascinating insights into behavior and the mind, it's essential to tread with care and compassion. The golden rule? Treat every participant, human or animal, as you'd wish to be treated. After all, the true mark of a groundbreaking experiment isn't just its findings but the ethical integrity with which it's conducted.
So, even if you're experimenting at home, please keep in mind the impact your experiments could have on the people and beings around you!
Let's get into some ideas for experiments.
Our primary aim with this experiment is to explore the intriguing world of social influences, specifically focusing on how much sway a group has over an individual's decisions. This social influence is called groupthink .
Humans, as social creatures, often find solace in numbers, seeking the approval and acceptance of those around them. But how deep does this need run? Does the desire to "fit in" overpower our trust in our own judgments?
This experiment not only provides insights into these questions but also touches upon the broader themes of peer pressure, societal norms, and individuality. Understanding this could shed light on various real-world situations, from why fashion trends catch on to more critical scenarios like how misinformation can spread.
Method: This idea is inspired by the classic Asch Conformity Experiments . Here's a simple way to try it:
Groupthink is more than just a science term; we see it in our daily lives:
Decisions at Work or School: Imagine being in a group where everyone wants to do one thing, even if it's not the best idea. People might not speak up because they're worried about standing out or being the only one with a different opinion.
Wrong Information: Ever heard a rumor that turned out to be untrue? Sometimes, if many people believe and share something, others might believe it too, even if it's not correct. This happens a lot on the internet.
Peer Pressure: Sometimes, friends might all want to do something that's not safe or right. People might join in just because they don't want to feel left out.
Missing Out on New Ideas: When everyone thinks the same way and agrees all the time, cool new ideas might never get heard. It's like always coloring with the same crayon and missing out on all the other bright colors!
We all have favorite colors, right? But did you ever wonder if colors can make you feel a certain way? Color psychology is the study of how colors can influence our feelings and actions.
For instance, does blue always calm us down? Does red make us feel excited or even a bit angry? By exploring this, we can learn how colors play a role in our daily lives, from the clothes we wear to the color of our bedroom walls.
Researchers have always been curious about this. Some studies have shown that colors like blue and green can make people feel calm, while colors like red might make them feel more alert or even hungry!
Ever noticed how different places use colors?
Hospitals and doctors' clinics often use soft blues and greens. This might be to help patients feel more relaxed and calm.
Many fast food restaurants use bright reds and yellows. These colors might make us feel hungry or want to eat quickly and leave.
Classrooms might use a mix of colors to help students feel both calm and energized.
Think about your favorite song. Do you feel smarter or more focused when you listen to it? This experiment seeks to understand the relationship between music and our brain's ability to remember things. Some people believe that certain types of music, like classical tunes, can help us study or work better. Let's find out if it's true!
The " Mozart Effect " is a popular idea. Some studies in the past suggested that listening to Mozart's music might make people smarter, at least for a little while. But other researchers think the effect might not be specific to Mozart; it could be that any music we enjoy boosts our mood and helps our brain work better.
Think about how we use music:
Ever had a really wild dream and wondered where it came from? Some say that eating certain foods before bedtime can make our dreams more vivid or even a bit strange.
This experiment is all about diving into the dreamy world of sleep to see if what we eat can really change our nighttime adventures. Can a piece of chocolate or a slice of cheese transport us to a land of wacky dreams? Let's find out!
The link between food and dreams isn't super clear, but some people have shared personal stories. For example, some say that spicy food can lead to bizarre dreams. Scientists aren't completely sure why, but it could be related to how food affects our body temperature or brain activity during sleep.
A cool idea related to this experiment is that of vivid dreams , which are very clear, detailed, and easy to remember dreams. Some people are even able to control their vivid dreams, or say that they feel as real as daily, waking life !
Our discoveries might shed light on:
Stand in front of a mirror. How do you feel? Proud? Shy? Curious? Mirrors reflect more than just our appearance; they might influence how we think about ourselves.
This experiment delves into the mystery of self-perception. Do we feel more confident when we see our reflection? Or do we become more self-conscious? Let's take a closer look.
Studies have shown that when people are in rooms with mirrors, they can become more aware of themselves. Some might stand straighter, fix their hair, or even change how they behave. The mirror acts like an audience, making us more conscious of our actions.
Mirrors aren't just for checking our hair. Ever wonder why clothing stores have so many mirrors? They might help shoppers visualize themselves in new outfits, encouraging them to buy.
Mirrors in gyms can motivate people to work out with correct form and posture. They also help us see progress in real-time!
And sometimes, looking in a mirror can be a reminder to take care of ourselves, both inside and out.
But remember, what we look like isn't as important as how we act in the world or how healthy we are. Some people claim that having too many mirrors around can actually make us more self conscious and distract us from the good parts of ourselves.
Some studies are showing that mirrors can actually increase self-compassion , amongst other things. As any tool, it seems like mirrors can be both good and bad, depending on how we use them!
Have you ever seen someone talking to their plants? It might sound silly, but some people believe that plants can "feel" our vibes and that talking to them might even help them grow better.
In this experiment, we'll explore whether plants can indeed react to our voices and if they might grow taller, faster, or healthier when we chat with them.
The idea isn't brand new. Some experiments from the past suggest plants might respond to sounds or vibrations. Some growers play music for their crops, thinking it helps them flourish.
Even if talking to our plants doesn't have an impact on their growth, it can make us feel better! Sometimes, if we are lonely, talking to our plants can help us feel less alone. Remember, they are living too!
If plants do react to our voices, gardeners and farmers might adopt new techniques, like playing music in greenhouses or regularly talking to plants.
Taking care of plants and talking to them could become a recommended activity for reducing stress and boosting mood.
And if plants react to sound, it gives us a whole new perspective on how connected all living things might be .
Virtual reality (VR) seems like magic, doesn't it? You put on a headset and suddenly, you're in a different world! But how does this "new world" affect our senses? This experiment wants to find out how our brains react to VR compared to the real world. Do we feel, see, or hear things differently? Let's get to the bottom of this digital mystery!
As VR becomes more popular, scientists have been curious about its effects. Some studies show that our brains can sometimes struggle to tell the difference between VR and reality. That's why some people might feel like they're really "falling" in a VR game even though they're standing still.
Schools might use VR to teach lessons, like taking students on a virtual trip to ancient Egypt. Understanding how our senses react in VR can also help game designers create even more exciting and realistic games.
Doctors could use VR to help patients overcome fears or to provide relaxation exercises. This is actually already a method therapists can use for helping patients who have serious phobias. This is called exposure therapy , which basically means slowly exposing someone (or yourself) to the thing you fear, starting from very far away to becoming closer.
For instance, if someone is afraid of snakes. You might show them images of snakes first. Once they are comfortable with the picture, they can know there is one in the next room. Once they are okay with that, they might use a VR headset to see the snake in the same room with them, though of course there is not an actual snake there.
We all know that feeling of trying to study or work when we're super tired. Our brains feel foggy, and it's hard to remember stuff. But how exactly does sleep (or lack of it) influence our ability to learn and remember things?
With this experiment, we'll uncover the mysteries of sleep and see how it can be our secret weapon for better learning.
Sleep and its relation to learning have been explored a lot. Scientists believe that during sleep, especially deep sleep, our brains sort and store new information. This is why sometimes, after a good night's rest, we might understand something better or remember more.
Understanding the power of sleep can help:
Have you ever felt different after spending time on social media? Maybe happy after seeing a friend's fun photos, or a bit sad after reading someone's tough news.
Social media is a big part of our lives, but how does it really affect our mood? This experiment aims to shine a light on the emotional roller-coaster of likes, shares, and comments.
Previous research has shown mixed results. Some studies suggest that seeing positive posts can make us feel good, while others say that too much time on social media can make us feel lonely or left out.
Understanding the emotional impact of social media can help users understand their feelings and take breaks if needed. Knowing is half the battle! Additionally, teachers and parents can guide young users on healthy social media habits, like limiting time or following positive accounts.
And if it's shown that social media does impact mood, social media companies can design friendlier, less stressful user experiences.
But even if the social media companies don't change things, we can still change our social media habits to make ourselves feel better.
Think about the last time you took notes. Did you grab a pen and paper or did you type them out on a computer or tablet?
Both ways are popular, but there's a big question: which method helps us remember and understand better? In this experiment, we'll find out if the classic art of handwriting has an edge over speedy typing.
Studies have shown some interesting results. While typing can be faster and allows for more notes, handwriting might boost memory and comprehension because it engages the brain differently, making us process the information as we write.
Importantly, each person might find one or the other works better for them. This could be useful in understanding our learning habits and what instructional style would be best for us.
Knowing the pros and cons of each method can:
We often hear the saying, "Money can't buy happiness," but is that really true? Many dream of winning the lottery or getting a big raise, believing it would solve all problems.
In this experiment, we dig deep to see if there's a real connection between wealth and well-being.
Some studies have found money can boost happiness, especially when it helps people out of tough financial spots. But after reaching a certain income, extra dollars usually do not add much extra joy.
In fact, psychologists just realized that once people have an income that can comfortably support their needs (and some of their wants), they stop getting happier with more . That number is roughly $75,000, but of course that depends on the cost of living and how many members are in the family.
If we can understand the link between money and joy, it might help folks choose jobs they love over jobs that just pay well. And instead of buying things, people might spend on experiences, like trips or classes, that make lasting memories.
Most importantly, we all might spend more time on hobbies, friends, and family, knowing they're big parts of what makes life great.
Some people are hoping that with Artificial Intelligence being able to do a lot of the less well-paying jobs, people might be able to do work they enjoy more, all while making more money and having more time to do the things that make them happy.
Have you ever noticed how a cold classroom or office makes it harder to focus? Or how on hot days, all you want to do is relax? In this experiment, we're going to find out if the temperature around us really does change how well we work.
Some studies have shown that people can work better when they're in a room that feels just right, not too cold or hot. Being too chilly can make fingers slow, and being too warm can make minds wander.
What temperature is "just right"? It won't be the same for everyone, but most people find it's between 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit (21-23 Celsius).
If we can learn more about how temperature affects our work, teachers might set classroom temperatures to help students focus and learn better, offices might adjust temperatures to get the best work out of their teams, and at home, we might find the best temperature for doing homework or chores quickly and well.
Interestingly, temperature also has an impact on our sleep quality. Most people find slightly cooler rooms to be better for good sleep. While the daytime temperature between 70-73F is good for productivity, a nighttime temperature around 65F (18C) is ideal for most people's sleep.
Psychology is like a treasure hunt, where the prize is understanding ourselves better. With every experiment, we learn a little more about why we think, feel, and act the way we do. Some of these experiments might seem simple, like seeing if colors change our mood or if being warm helps us work better. But even the simple questions can have big answers that help us in everyday life.
Remember, while doing experiments is fun, it's also important to always be kind and think about how others feel. We should never make someone uncomfortable just for a test. Instead, let's use these experiments to learn and grow, helping to make the world a brighter, more understanding place for everyone.
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