Control
Controlling an experiment means making sure the environment is set up so that only the variable
being studied changes, while everything else stays the same. The researcher ensures that any
e ect seen in the experiment is only due to the independent variable (the one being tested) and
not any other factors. This helps keep the results accurate. If other variables are not controlled, it
becomes impossible to know if the changes in the dependent variable (the outcome being
measured) are caused by the independent variable or by something else.
In the control group method, two groups of people are used: a control group and an
experimental group. These groups are made similar by matching them on traits like age, sex,
and intelligence.
• The control group does not receive the independent variable (the factor being tested).
• The experimental group does receive the independent variable.
This setup helps show if any changes in the outcome (the dependent variable) are really due to
the independent variable or just random chance.
In the control test method, the same group of people is tested twice:
1. Normal Conditions: First, their performance is observed under regular conditions without any
changes.
2. Changed Condition: Then, one condition (the independent variable) is changed, and their
performance is observed again.
This method does not require separate groups, unlike the control group method. It compares the
same individuals' performance under di erent conditions to see the e ect of the independent
variable.
In this method, there are two conditions:
1. Control Condition: This is the part of the experiment where nothing is changed. It stays the
same and is used to compare with the experimental condition. The independent variable is
not introduced here.
2. Experimental Condition: This is the part where the independent variable is introduced to see
its e ect.
These conditions help show if changes in the results are due to the independent variable.
Merits of Experimental Method:
• Cause-and-E ect Relationships: Allows researchers to identify causal links between variables.
• High Control: Provides a controlled environment to minimize the in uence of extraneous
variables.
• Reproducibility: Can be repeated by other researchers to verify results and ensure reliability.
Demerits of Experimental Method:
• Arti cial Setting: The controlled environment may not re ect real-life situations, a ecting
external validity.
• Ethical Limitations: Some experiments can't be done due to ethical concerns about
manipulating certain variables.
• Complexity: Some behaviors or phenomena are too complex to study in a controlled setting.
SURVEY METHOD
The survey method in psychology involves collecting data from a large group of people through
questionnaires or interviews to understand their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. It is often used
to gather information about attitudes, beliefs, or reported behavior patterns.
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Merits of Survey Method:
• Large Sample Size: Can collect data from many people quickly, which helps in generalizing
ndings to a larger population.
• Cost-E ective: Less expensive and time-consuming compared to other methods like
experiments or in-depth interviews.
• Versatile: Can be used to collect a wide range of information on di erent topics.
Demerits of Survey Method:
• Self-Report Bias: Participants may not provide truthful or accurate responses, leading to
biased results.
• Limited Depth: Surveys usually provide surface-level information and may not capture the full
complexity of behaviors or attitudes.
• Low Response Rate: Surveys often su er from low participation, which can a ect the reliability
and representativeness of the data.
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