Question 1: Define the term 'experimental method' in psychology.

Answer: An experimental method is a research approach where a researcher manipulates one variable (independent variable) to observe its effect on another variable (dependent variable), often involving controlled conditions.

Question 2: Describe a simple example of an experiment that could be used to test whether listening to music affects concentration.

Answer: Participants are divided into two groups: one listens to music while working, and the other works without music. Their concentration levels are then measured and compared.

Question 3: What is the purpose of having a control group in an experiment?

Answer: A control group is used to compare results against the experimental group to see if the independent variable really has an effect, helping to rule out other influencing factors.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by 'independent variable' and give an example from a psychology experiment.

Answer: The independent variable is the variable that the researcher changes or manipulates to see its effect. For example, in a test of sleep on memory, the amount of sleep is the independent variable.

Question 5: Describe what a 'confounding variable' is and why it is important to control for it.

Answer: A confounding variable is an outside factor that may influence the results of an experiment, making it unclear whether the independent variable caused the effect. Controlling for confounding variables ensures the validity of the results.

Question 6: Imagine you are conducting an experiment to see if the color of a room affects people's mood. Describe how you would set up this experiment.

Answer: Participants are randomly assigned to rooms painted in different colors (e.g., blue, red, yellow). Their mood is assessed after spending time in each room using a questionnaire or mood scale, comparing results across groups.

Question 7: What is a 'hypothesis' in an experiment? Write a simple hypothesis related to the effect of exercise on stress levels.

Answer: A hypothesis is a testable prediction about what will happen in an experiment. Example: 'People who do regular exercise will have lower stress levels than those who do not exercise.'

Question 8: Sketch a diagram of an experimental setup where a researcher tests whether the amount of caffeine affects alertness. Label the key parts of the experiment, such as the independent variable, dependent variable, and control measures.

Answer: A correct sketch would show: a group of participants, some given caffeinated drinks and others non-caffeinated, with a measure of alertness (like a reaction time test) before and after. Labels should include 'independent variable: caffeine amount,' 'dependent variable: alertness,' and 'control measures: same age group, same testing environment.'

Question 9: Why is random assignment important in an experiment?

Answer: Random assignment helps ensure that any differences between groups are due to the independent variable and not other factors, reducing bias and increasing the reliability of the results.

Question 10: What does it mean to 'repeat' an experiment, and why is this important?

Answer: Repeating an experiment means conducting it multiple times to see if the results are consistent. It is important because it increases confidence that the findings are reliable and not due to chance.