Determine your sample size. Larger samples generally lead to more reliable data. Use random assignment to groups to ensure any differences observed are due to the experiment, not pre-existing traits. Choose a Design Type:
This is a "recipe" for your experiment. Describe your participants, apparatus, and step-by-step procedure. Someone else should be able to replicate your study exactly using only this section.
Provide context. Why does this study matter? End with your specific hypothesis. How to Design and Report Experiments
Present the data without interpretation. Use tables and graphs for clarity. Report statistical significance (e.g., p-values) to show that your findings weren't just a result of random chance.
Designing and reporting experiments is the backbone of scientific integrity. Phase 1: Designing the Experiment Determine your sample size
The same group gets all treatments (often requiring "counterbalancing" to avoid order effects). Phase 2: Conducting the Experiment
Interpret your findings. Did they support the hypothesis? Acknowledge limitations (e.g., small sample size) and suggest what future researchers should look into next. Choose a Design Type: This is a "recipe"
Does the experiment actually measure what it claims to measure?