A research method in which one or more variables are manipulated to determine the effect on another variable is a cornerstone of psychological science. This involves creating controlled conditions to isolate the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variable. For instance, researchers might alter the amount of sleep participants receive (the independent variable) and then measure their subsequent performance on a cognitive task (the dependent variable). This allows for inferences about cause-and-effect relationships.
This method is critical for establishing causal relationships and developing evidence-based interventions. Its rigor provides a framework for testing hypotheses and validating theories about human behavior and mental processes. Historically, this approach has enabled significant advances in understanding perception, learning, memory, and social interactions. It differentiates itself from observational studies or correlational research by its active manipulation of variables.