Experimental Methodology in Psychology: A Guide for Undergraduate Students

Nicolás Sánchez Álvarez

doi:10.24310/mumaedmumaed.293

Experimental Methodology in Psychology: A Guide for Undergraduate Students

Authors

Nicolás Sánchez Álvarez

Universidad de Málaga

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5910-5734

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24310/mumaedmumaed.293

Keywords:

Experimental methodology; Research designs; Control of variables; Scientific validity; Statistical models.

Synopsis

Experimental Methodology in Psychology: A Guide for Undergraduate Students provides a systematic and structured overview of the scientific foundations underpinning research in psychology, situating experimental methodology within the broader framework of the scientific method. The text is based on the conception of science as an organised system of verifiable knowledge constructed through observation, experimentation and logical reasoning, explicitly distinguishing scientific inference from everyday intuitive reasoning. In the field of Psychology, the textbook presents a general research model organised into three hierarchical levels: the theoretical level (formulation of hypotheses and conceptual expectations), the design level (operationalisation of variables and planning of the procedure) and the analysis level (selection of appropriate statistical models). This structure allows research to be understood as a sequential and coherent process in which theory, design and analysis constitute interdependent phases. The text develops a broad classification of research methodologies in psychology, distinguishing between bibliographic and documentary methodologies, quantitative empirical methodologies, qualitative empirical methodologies, mixed methodologies and review methodologies.

This taxonomy acknowledges the methodological pluralism inherent to the discipline, incorporating both experimental and non-experimental approaches, as well as systematic reviews, meta-analyses and bibliometric studies. The core of the handbook focuses on quantitative empirical methodology, particularly experimental and quasi-experimental research. The principles of manipulating the independent variable, measuring the dependent variable and controlling for extraneous variables are explained in detail. Classic control techniques such as elimination, constancy, balancing, randomisation and counterbalancing are described, emphasising their role in preserving internal validity. With regard to research designs, the handbook distinguishes between experimental and quasi-experimental designs, based on the degree of control and the presence or absence of random allocation. It analyses single-factor and factorial designs, between-subjects and within-subjects designs, longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, as well as specific designs such as time-series designs, single-case designs and Solomon’s four-group design. It also addresses non-manipulative designs, including observational and survey studies. scientifically valid. The text devotes a significant section to the analysis of research validity, distinguishing between construct validity, internal validity, external validity and statistical inferential validity, which are regarded as fundamental criteria for assessing the inferential quality of studies. Finally, the manual introduces the main statistical analysis models applicable to different research designs, including the classical linear model, generalised linear models, mixed models and structural equation models, emphasising the need for consistency between the design structure and the analytical model. Taken together, the manual provides a comprehensive and coherent overview of the research process in psychology, highlighting the central role of methodological control and logical consistency as essential conditions for the production of knowledge

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