Experiment
Definition:
An experiment is a carefully designed procedure carried out to verify or refute a hypothesis, or to determine the validity or accuracy of a scientific theory. It involves manipulating one or more independent variables, while controlling and measuring the effect on dependent variables, in order to gather empirical evidence and draw conclusions.
Key Components of an Experiment:
- Hypothesis: A proposed explanation or prediction about the relationship between variables, which serves as the basis for the experiment.
- Independent Variable: The variable that is intentionally manipulated or changed by the experimenter.
- Dependent Variable: The variable that is observed or measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
- Control Group: A group or condition in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or manipulation, used as a baseline for comparison.
- Experimental Group: A group or condition in an experiment that receives the treatment or manipulation being tested.
- Randomization: The process of assigning participants or subjects to different groups or conditions randomly, to reduce bias and increase the validity of results.
- Data Collection: The systematic gathering of relevant information or measurements during the experiment, using various methods and tools such as surveys, observations, or instruments.
- Data Analysis: The process of organizing, interpreting, and drawing meaningful conclusions from the collected data, often utilizing statistical techniques.
- Conclusion: The summary of findings, evaluations, and insights derived from the experiment, which can support or reject the initial hypothesis.