Experimental method characteristics, stages, example

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Simon Doyle
Experimental method characteristics, stages, example

The experimental method, Also known as scientific-experimental, it is characterized because it allows the researcher to manipulate and control the variables of an investigation as much as possible, with the intention of studying the relationships that exist between them with the bases of the scientific method..

It is a process that is used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge or correct and integrate previous knowledge. It is used in scientific research and is based on systematic observation, taking measurements, experimentation, formulating tests, and modifying hypotheses.

In the experimental method, the researcher has total control over the variables considered. Source: pixabay.com

This general method is carried out in the different branches of science; biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, medicine, etc. The main characteristic of the experimental method involves the manipulation of the variables. Thanks to this, it is possible to observe and record the behaviors of these variables, in order to anticipate results and explain behaviors or circumstances..

The experimental method seeks to obtain information that is as accurate as possible and unambiguous. This is achieved thanks to the application of control operations and procedures; Through these it can be affirmed that a certain variable influences in such a way another.

Article index

  • 1 Characteristics of the experimental method
  • 2 Stages of the experimental method
    • 2.1 State the problem and observations
    • 2.2 State the hypothesis
    • 2.3 Define the variables
    • 2.4 Define an experimental design
    • 2.5 Carry out the procedure and collect the corresponding data
    • 2.6 Analyze the data
    • 2.7 Generalize
    • 2.8 Predict
    • 2.9 Present the final conclusions
  • 3 Application example
  • 4 References

Characteristics of the experimental method

- In the experimental method the researcher has absolute control over the variables.

- It is based on the scientific method.

- The purpose of the experimental method is to study and / or anticipate the relationships that are generated between the variables that are taken into account in the research.

- Seeks to collect data that is as accurate as possible.

- The variables considered in the experimental method can be manipulated according to the researchers' needs..

- The measuring instruments used must have a high level of accuracy and precision.

- The manipulation of the variables allows the researcher to create the optimal scenario that allows him to observe the desired interactions.

- Since the researcher produces the conditions he needs when he requires them, he is always ready to observe them effectively.

- In the experimental method the conditions are fully controlled. Therefore, the researcher can replicate the experiment in order to confirm his hypothesis, and can also promote verifications by other independent researchers..

- The experimental method can be applied in studies that are exploratory in nature or that seek to confirm studies done previously..

Stages of the experimental method

Below we will detail nine stages that a researcher must go through when applying the experimental method in an investigative work:

State the problem and observations

It consists of the description of the main reason for which an investigation is carried out. There must be an unknown information that you want to know. It must be a problem or situation that can be solved and whose variables can be measured with precision..

The problem arises from observations, which must be objective, not subjective. In other words, the observations must be able to be verified by other scientists. Subjective observations, based on personal opinions and beliefs, are not part of the field of science..

Examples:

  • Objective statement: in this room the temperature is at 20 ° C.
  • Subjective statement: it's cool in this room.

State the hypothesis

The hypothesis is the possible explanation that can be given in advance before an unknown phenomenon. This explanation seeks to relate the variables to each other and anticipate what type of relationship they have.

Hypotheses usually have similar structures using a conditional mode. For example, "if X (...), then Y (...)".

Define the variables

In the statement of the problem, the main variables that will be taken into account are already considered. When defining the variables, the aim is to characterize them as precisely as possible, in order to be able to study them efficiently..

It is very important that there are no ambiguities in the definition of the variables and that they can be operationalized; that is, they can be measured.

At this point it is very important to also consider all those external variables that can directly influence those that will be considered in the study..

You must have absolute control of the variables to be observed; otherwise, the results generated by experimentation will not be entirely reliable.

Define an experimental design

In this phase of the experimental method, the researcher must define what will be the route through which he will carry out his experiment..

It is about describing in detail what will be the steps that the researcher will follow to achieve the objective of the study.

Carry out the procedure and collect the corresponding data

This phase corresponds to the realization of the investigation as such. At this point, the researcher must take concrete actions through which he will be able to observe and record the behavior of the variables, as well as the relationships that are generated between them..

The entire investigation process must be duly described and recorded; In this way, the researcher will have an accurate log that will allow him to have much more precision in the execution, as well as a better understanding of the final results..

Analyze the data

The information obtained thanks to the experimental method must be statistically analyzed. This will allow the veracity of the results to be verified and will give important signals about how significant the data obtained is..

Generalize

This phase can be of great importance in determining the significance that the results of a particular study may have. Through generalization, the information obtained can be extrapolated and extended to larger populations or scenarios..

The scope of the generalization will depend on the description that has been made of the observed variables and how representative they are in relation to a particular set..

Predict

With the results obtained, it is possible to make a prediction that tries to state what a similar situation would look like, but that has not yet been studied..

This phase can give room to a new investigative work focused on a different approach to the same problem developed in the current study..

Present the final conclusions

After analyzing the data, making the generalizations of the case and considering the corresponding predictions, it is time to translate the conclusions of the investigation.

Since the experimental method focuses on obtaining accurate results, the conclusions should be described in as much detail as possible, emphasizing the implications of the data collected. In the conclusions, the hypothesis raised at the beginning must be confirmed or denied.

Application example

- The problem statement that has been observed is the following: some children feel little motivation to learn in the classroom. On the other hand, it has been determined that, in general, children are motivated to interact with technology.

- The research hypothesis is that the incorporation of technology into the educational system will increase the motivation of children between 5 and 7 years of age to learn in the classroom.

- The variables to consider are a set of children between 5 and 7 years of age from a given educational institution, an educational program that includes the use of technology in all subjects taught and the teachers who will implement said program.

- The experimental design can be described as follows: teachers will apply the chosen program to children for a whole school year. Each session includes an activity that seeks to measure the level of motivation and understanding that each child has. The data will be collected and analyzed later.

- The data obtained indicate that the children increased their levels of motivation in relation to the period prior to the application of the technological program.

- Given these results, it is possible to project that a technological program can increase motivation in children between 5 and 7 years of age from other educational institutions.

- Likewise, it can be predicted that this program will also have positive results if applied to older children, and even adolescents..

- Thanks to the study carried out, it can be concluded that the application of a technology program promotes the motivation that children between 5 and 7 years of age have to learn in the classroom.

References

  1. "Scientific method" at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 at the National Autonomous University of Mexico: unam.mx
  2. "The experimental method" at the National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 at the National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training: educalab.es
  3. "The experimental method" at the University of Jaén. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 at the University of Jaén: ujaen.es
  4. Murray, J. "Why do experiments" in Science Direct. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 in Science Direct: sciencedirect.com
  5. "Experimental Method" at Indiana University Bloomington. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 at Indiana University Bloomington: indiana.edu
  6. Dean, A. "Experimental design: overview" in Science Direct. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 in Science Direct: sciencedirect.com
  7. Helmenstein, A. “Six Steps of the Scientific Method” in Thought Co. Retrieved on October 31, 2019 at Thought Co: thoughtco.com

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