In the framework of cognition of the surrounding reality, scientific tools offer a lot of empirical, that is, experimental research. The experiment is one of the most effective, since it is based on the principles of repetition and evidence by facts. More importantly, the experimental method allows the study of individual phenomena, regardless of random factors, which distinguishes it from traditional observation.
Method technology as a research tool
Compared to practical cognition through observation, an experiment is organized as a prepared study, which is faced with a specific task with predetermined parameters for interpreting the result. An important feature is the participation of the researcher in the process of such cognition. In addition, the method of a scientific experiment is precisely due to the possibilities of organizing its repeated carrying out under the same conditions is more accurate and more reliable information. Thus, it is possible to establish causal relationships between the individual elements of the experiment, revealing other properties with patterns in a particular phenomenon.
In the organization of experiments, measuring instruments and technical equipment are often involved, which ensures the correctness of the data. The classical description of the experimental method can be represented as a laboratory research process, since it is completely controlled by the author, but there are other concepts of this method of cognition of reality, which will be discussed below.
Experimental models
Flawless and random experiments are usually distinguished. The first is a model of organization, which for one reason or another cannot be implemented in practice, that is, under conditions of scientific observation. This technique not only helps to complete the task regarding the study of the object, but also helps to improve the experimental method by identifying individual errors. As for the random experiment model, it is based on the concept of random experience, which may correspond to a real test, but its result will be unpredictable. A random experimental method requires a wide range of requirements. For example, the prepared mathematical model of research in it should adequately describe the experiment. Also, when setting the problem, the researchers accurately determine the model, within which the initial mathematical data for the experiment and the results will be compared.
What types is the experimental method divided into?
In practice, physical, computer, mental, and critical experiments are most often used. The most common physical experiment, which is the knowledge of nature. Thanks to such experiments, in particular, erroneous hypotheses of physics are revealed, which were studied in the framework of a theoretical study. Computer experiments are connected to a computer process. During the tests, the specialists process the initial data on a specific object, as a result of giving out information about the revealed properties and characteristics. The cognitive method of experiment can affect various areas of research, including physics and philosophy. Its fundamental difference is the reproduction of the conditions of reality not in practice, but in the imagination. In turn, critical experiments are focused not on the study of specific objects or phenomena, but on the confirmation or refutation of a certain hypothesis or theory.
Features of psychological experiments
A separate group of experiments is the psychological sphere, which determines its specificity. The main subject of study in this direction is the psyche. Accordingly, the conditions of the research will directly determine the life of the subject. And here we can note some contradiction with the basic principles of the method under consideration as such. Compared with other types of research, one cannot count on complete control and creation of test conditions. One can only proceed from biased data that will provide a psychological experiment. The method of psychological research also does not allow us to single out one of the processes of mental activity, since experimental influences affect the body as a whole. Similar studies can be conducted on people and animals. In the first case, the conditions sometimes provide for the initial instruction of the subject.
Natural and laboratory experiments
This division is also included in the concept of a psychological experiment. Natural research can be correlated to a certain extent with scientific observation, since in this case a minimal interference in the course of the subject’s mental activity is supposed. By the way, a significant advantage of the natural method comes from here. The subject due to the lack of interference in his life during the experiment may remain in ignorance. That is, the fact of the study itself will not affect it in any way. On the other hand, due to the lack of control, this method of a scientific experiment in psychology is considered ineffective. Opposite characteristics determine the benefits of a laboratory experiment. In such studies, the tester can artificially organize the study process, focusing on specific facts of interest to him. But even in this case, the need for close interaction between the researcher and the subject determines the subjectivity of the result.
Advantages of the Experimental Method
The advantages of this approach in research primarily include the controllability of conditions. The researcher organizes the process in accordance with its capabilities and resources, which greatly facilitates the work. Also, the advantages of the experimental method are determined by the possibility of its repetitions, which allows us to clarify the data without corrections for changing the test conditions. Conversely, flexible process correction options allow you to track the dynamics of changes in certain qualities and properties of an object.
Of course, the main advantage of this technique is the accuracy of the data. This parameter will depend on how correctly the process conditions were prepared, but in the given framework and parameters you can count on a high degree of reliability. Especially the advantages of such tests in terms of accuracy are revealed by the observation method. The experiment against its background is more controlled, which allows to exclude third-party interference factors in the research process.
Disadvantages of the method
The main weaknesses of experimental methods relate to organizational errors. It is also worthwhile to make a comparison with the observation, which will be extremely correct in terms of conditions. Another question is that, in contrast to observation, an experiment in all respects is a fixed process. In addition, the disadvantages of the experimental method are related to the impossibility of artificial repetition of phenomena and processes. Not to mention that certain areas of technology application require significant material investments in the organization.
Experiment Examples
One of the very first experiments was conducted by Eratosthenes of Cyrene, who studied physical phenomena. The essence of his research was to calculate the radius of the Earth in a natural way. He used the degree of deviation of the Sun from the Earth during the summer solstice, which made it possible to conclude that the radius is 6300 km by correlating the parameters with the distance to the point at which there was no deviation at all. The difference with the actual indicator is only 5%, which indicates the high accuracy with which the method was performed. An experiment, examples of which are reflected in psychology, cannot claim mathematical accuracy, but they also deserve attention.
So, in 1951, a group of researchers conducted a group experiment, the purpose of which was to study conformism. Participants were asked to give answers to simple questions regarding the number and location of the sticks that supposedly checked their eyesight. At the same time, all but one participant was given the command to give false results - the method was based on identifying this difference. The experiment, examples of which have been replicated many times, ultimately yielded disappointing results. Participants who remained face to face with obviously wrong, but dominant opinion, in most cases also agreed with him.
Conclusion
Experimental research, of course, broadens and deepens the person’s view of the world. Nevertheless, far from all areas this method can be used. Observations, experiments and experiments in the complex provide much more information, complementing each other. There are areas in which the study is possible by different methods separately, but in the interests of rationalization, research centers are increasingly using combined approaches. At the same time, it must be admitted that experimental research still has a fundamental role in the context of the development of theories and hypotheses.