Definition

1. Noun:
   • The branch of psychology that uses experimental methods to study psychological issues: This is the scientific discipline within psychology that employs controlled experiments to investigate mental processes, brain functions, and behavior.

Usage

• As a subject or field of study: The term is used to name the specific sub-discipline of psychology focused on the experimental method.
  • She decided to specialize in experimental psychology for her graduate studies.
  • The findings from experimental psychology have greatly influenced our understanding of memory.
• Referring to a department or course: It can refer to an academic department or a specific university course.
  • He is a professor in the Department of Experimental Psychology.
  • The Experimental Psychology 101 course covers fundamental research designs.

Advanced Usage

• "Methods of experimental psychology": Refers specifically to the research techniques (e.g., controlled laboratory experiments, randomized trials) characteristic of this field.
  • The study applied the rigorous methods of experimental psychology to test the hypothesis.
• Distinction from other branches: Used to contrast with other psychological approaches like clinical, social, or developmental psychology, which may use different primary methodologies.
  • While clinical psychology focuses on treatment, experimental psychology is concerned with basic research into cognitive mechanisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Experimental psychologist (n): A scientist who practices experimental psychology.
  • The experimental psychologist designed a clever experiment on attention.
• Psychophysics (n): A classic sub-field within experimental psychology that studies the relationship between physical stimuli and sensory perceptions.
• Cognitive psychology (n): A major modern area that grew out of experimental psychology, focusing on internal mental processes.

Synonyms

• Research psychology: A broader term that can encompass experimental psychology along with other research-oriented approaches.
• Scientific psychology: Emphasizes the empirical and scientific foundation of the field.

Related Phrases

• Laboratory experiment in psychology: A core activity within experimental psychology.
  • The theory was validated through a laboratory experiment in psychology.
• Experimental design in psychology: Refers to the planning and structure of psychological research studies.
  • A strong experimental design in psychology minimizes confounding variables.

Noun

1. the branch of psychology that uses experimental methods to study psychological issues