EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

 

Title

           

            The Effect of the Independent Variable on the Dependent Variable

 

Hypothesis

 

            If the Independent Variable is (increased/decreased), then the Dependent

            Variable will (increase/decrease/stay the same).

 

 

Independent Variable (IV)

 

            This is the variable that is changed or manipulated during the experiment.

 

 

Dependent Variable (DV)

 

            This is the variable which responds to the change or the manipulation of the

            independent variable.

 

 

Control

 

            This is the level of the independent variable in which nothing is changed.  It is

            used as a means of comparison for the other levels.

 

 

Constants (C)

 

            These are all the things that remain the same during the experiment.

 

 

 

DESIGN FLAWS

 

·         No control group

·         Poorly defined constants

·         Insufficient number of trials

·         Limited number and type of dependent variables

·         Insufficient time span and frequency of measurements

·         Inappropriate use of animals