1. Experimental Research
Definition:
Efforts to gain control over the variables of interest and establish if-then causal relationships. Involves random assignment and manipulation. (dependent vs. independent variables)
Disadvantages:
1) artificial and limited in relevance
2) relations among isolated variables may not hold
3) temporally limited
4) demand characteristics
Advantages:
1) potential for careful manipulation of the variables of interest
2) data free from biased or subjective interpretation
3) establishment of cause and effect relations

2. Experimental Research
Seligman’s Theory of Learned Helplessness
Exposed dogs to unavoidable shock or not
Place dogs in new situation where shock is avoidable
Dogs who were initially exposed to inescapable shock are less likely to escape from shock in new situation
Concluded that dogs “learned” they were helpless. Offered that this might serve as model of human depression.

3. Experimental Research around Personality
Think of a question that interests you about personality:
Could this question be addressed using an experimental method? Explain.
If so, describe a design you might use.
If not, describe an alternative design.