Experimental psychology uses the scientific method to study mental processes through introspection and observation in artificially reproduced conditions. The experimenter controls the laboratory environment, presents stimuli to the subject, and collects both outward behavioral responses and the subject's introspective reports. The subject must fully cooperate by following instructions to respond to stimuli and report their experiences. Though mental states can be difficult to study and the laboratory introduces artificiality, experimental psychology aims to overcome these imperfections through replicable experiments with many subjects.

1. Experimental Psychology Method of scientifically studying mental processes by introspection and observation after having reproduced them artificially.

2. This method normally involves The cooperation of two persons. Eg. The experimenter and the individual whose mind is being studied (subject).

3. Functions of the Experimenter The Experimenter arranges the conditions of the experiment. For eg. He brings the environmental factors of the laboratory, like sound, light, under control, takes proper care that subject feels comfortable, sets in order the instruments needed. Experimenter presents the required stimulus to the subject, instructs him about the response to be made by him to the stimulus and about the introspective report of his experience to be submitted by him to the experimenter.

4. Functions of the Experimenter (Contd) The Experimenter has to observe the outward manifestations of the subject’s behaviour in the different periods of his making the response. Experimenter combines his own observation with the subjects introspective report He makes use of various statistical methods in order to calculate the results.

5. Functions of the Subject Subject has to cooperate with the experimenter fully He has to follow the instructions and make response to the stimulus as required. Subject has to give to experimenter the report of introspection of his experience.

6. Imperfections & Answers Mental processes constantly fluctuating. Cannot be detained for experimental study. Artificial situation of the laboratory interferes with the normal flow of mental life and distorts it. Fluctuating mental processes maybe experimented upon again and again. The artificial situation of the laboratory may be removed by taking necessary care and precaution.

7. Imperfections & Answers (Contd) The Subjects may seek to please the experimenter by making responses which he likes and may thus spoil the main purpose of the experiment. Some mental processes like feelings, emotions are difficult to be experimented upon. Subject must be trained to seek to satisfy the conditions of the experiment, rather than the whims of the experimenter. Also experiments are done on a large number of subjects. Even feeling, emotion may be experimented upon by proper practice and training.

8. Advantages of the Experimental Method This method reproduces mental process as many times as required for the purpose of studying it. This method can isolate a mental process from its accidental accompaniments and investigate it apart from them. It can have the whole view of a mental process including its internal and external aspects. This method discovers psychological laws by studying the results arrived at quantitatively.