Lesson in Experimental Psychology

1. Experimental Psychology
Prepared by:
Orlando A. Pistan, MAEd-GC
Psychology Instructor

2. Experimental Psychology
The branch of
psychology concerned
with the scientific
investigation of basic
psychological processes
such as learning,
memory, and cognition in
humans and animals.

3. Scientific Method
A method of procedure
that has characterized
natural science since the
17th century, consisting
in systematic
observation,
measurement, and
experiment, and the
formulation, testing, and
modification of
hypotheses.

4. Experimental Research
Experimental research is
the verification of behavior
under controlled situations.
The primary goal is to try
some perceptible observation
and systematically note the
changes from start to finish.

5. Experimental Research
Tables and graphs are used
to record results and is
presented in an orderly
manner.
Thereafter, it will make it easy
to evaluate the procedures
identity (strengths and
weaknesses) and arrive at
conclusions with objectivity.

6. Laboratory Report
A laboratory report is a piece
of scientific literature which
aims to describe a research
in such a manner that it can
be repeated by anyone with
access to similar materials,
subjects and conditions.
It is customary to describe an
experiment or other research
in a series of sections, each
of which has specific
functions.

7. Sections of a Laboratory
Report
I. Title
II. Abstract
III. Introduction
IV. Methods
Problem / Objectives
Materials and Instruments
Design and Procedure
Subjects
V. Results
Tables (with interpretations)
Figures (with interpretations)
VI. Discussion
VII. Conclusions
VIII. References
IX. Appendix

8. Title
The title must answer the questions:
By what name should this experiment best be known?
Should contain sufficient information to distinguish the report
from others dealing with similar problems.
Should express in the clearest manner the nature of the
experiment.
Should appear on both the cover and the first page of the
report.

9. Abstract
An abstract is a condensed version or a short but
comprehensive summary of the research report.
Should be CONCISE
Should introduce the problem
Should indicate the variables
Should mention the methods to be utilized
Should elaborate the results
Length must be 100-150 words

10. Introduction
The introduction is a mini review of the studies of previous
similar researches, and places the study in historical
perspective.
Clarifies why the particular problem presented is being
studied.
Must cite researches made by previous investigators, in case
of replicating the study.

11. Problem / Objectives
The statement of the purpose of the experiment or the
hypothesis to be tested.
Should be brief and direct to the point.
Should answer the question: What is to be measured or
demonstrated; proven or disproved?

12. Materials and Instruments
Under this heading, the things needed in the experiment
should be listed or described.
Name the apparatus by its recognized technical name
Describe the apparatus accurately, using diagrams if
necessary.

13. Design and Procedure
A precise description of the method or procedure in data
gathering is imperative. This will be the basis for reaching the
accurate interpretation of the data.
Tell exactly what was done
Describe the procedures in step-by-step format
Report in verbatim any instruction given to the subjects

14. Subjects
Mention age, sex, education and other pertinent factors
concerning your human subjects.
Indicate how subjects were obtained (whether they are
chosen, volunteers, or their participation were solicited)

15. Results
Present all data obtained from the experiment and summarize
these as clearly as possible.
Present results in tables, graphs or pictures all of which
should be labeled as “figures” with designated numbers and
explanatory titles.

16. Tables
Used for presenting quantitative data
Should be assigned a number
Table number is indicated above and centered on the page
(Arabic numbers; 1,2,3)
The title of the table should follow after the number (brief and
clear)
Capitalize only the first letter of each principal word
No terminal period should be used

17. Figures
Figures are charts, graphs and drawings.
The title of the figure should appear below the figure
preceded by its number.
The caption of each figures must be short
Its full interpretation is in the reading of the text
Charts contains independent and independent variables
Accompanied by a legend

18. Column Charts
Column charts are very
useful for the comparison of
at least one set of data
points. The vertical axis,
which is also known as the Y
axis, is often shown in
numeric values. The X axis
on the horizontal line shows a
period of time.

19. Bar Charts
Bar charts are for comparing
concepts and percentages
among factors or sets of
data.
You can see bar charts are
similar to what column charts
lying on its X axis.

20. Pie Charts
Pie charts are good for
illustrating and showing
sample break down in an
individual dimension. It is in
the shape of a pie to show
the relationship between the
main and sub-categories of
your data. It is good to use
when you are dealing with
categorized groups of data,
or if you want to show
differences among data
based on a single variable.

21. Doughnut Charts
Doughnut charts are very
similar to pie charts in terms
of the area in the center cut
out. Doughnut charts have a
number of elements including
the division of segments, and
the meaning of arc of an
individual segment.
Doughnuts also cover more
details than pie charts via
their blank space.

22. Line Charts
This type of chart is normally
used for explaining trends
over periods. The vertical
axis always displays numeric
amount, while the X axis
indicates some other related
factors. Line charts can be
shown with markers in the
shape of circles, squares or
other formats.

23. Area Charts
Area charts are very similar to
line charts, but the former ones
have solid plot lines. Area charts
are ideal for displaying trends
over a period for single or
several categories, or the
change between several data
groups. Basically, area charts
have two main types: the
stacked and the completed
stacked area chart. Both of
these types can show the
nature of your selected data
sets.

24. Spider and Radar Charts
If you have a large set of
different data groups, using
spider and radar charts are
better than column ones.
The radar chart is good for
showing multiple data
groups in terms of 2D
diagrams of at least three
variables on axes.

25. Discussion
Explain the results in relation to your hypothesis and the
results of other studies on the same problem
Explain deviations in the results
Describe factors that influenced the results which you were
unable to eliminate or hold constant.
Explain results that did not correspond with expectations
Indicate problems that arose from the experiment which
require further studies.

26. Conclusions
The conclusions summarizes the general findings of the
experiment in relation to its purpose.
The conclusions must indicate the answer to the questions
embodied in the problem
Must follow your own data and not some other sources
Mention your factual discoveries in your experiment here
Conclusions should be brief and are best illustrated
numerically

27. References
The list of books and articles directly related to the report or
which were actually read.
Listed references should be grouped by type (book, journal,
magazine)
References should be arranged in alphabetical order of the
author’s surnames

28. Appendix
In this section, include anything that is necessary to
further understand the report.

29. Experimental Psychology
Thank you for paying
attention.