Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Experimental research involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other factors. It allows researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Independent variable: The manipulated factor in an experiment that is hypothesized to have an effect on the dependent variable.
Dependent variable: The measured outcome or response influenced by the independent variable.
Control group: The group in an experiment that does not receive any treatment or manipulation, serving as a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.