Experimental Condition:
Definition:
An experimental condition refers to the specific situation or environment in which an experiment is conducted. It involves manipulating variables in order to observe the effects or gather data regarding a particular phenomenon or research question. The experimental condition is designed to test a hypothesis and assess the causal relationship between the independent variable(s) and the dependent variable(s).
Components of Experimental Condition:
- Treatment: The specific procedure, intervention, or manipulation applied to the participants or subjects in the experiment. This treatment represents the independent variable being investigated.
- Control Group: A group of participants who do not receive the experimental treatment or intervention, serving as a comparison or baseline against which the effects of the treatment group can be evaluated. The control group allows researchers to determine whether any observed effects are due to the treatment or other factors.
- Random Assignment: The process of assigning participants to different experimental conditions randomly, ensuring that each individual has an equal chance of being assigned to any condition. Random assignment helps eliminate bias and ensures that any observed differences between groups are most likely due to the treatment.
- Standardization: The practice of maintaining consistency across experimental conditions, including the procedure, instructions, measurements, and other relevant factors. Standardization minimizes the influence of extraneous variables and enhances the internal validity of the experiment.