What is the primary purpose of psychological experiments?

The primary purpose of psychological experiments is to establish causation between variables. In psychology, experiments are designed to test hypotheses by manipulating one or more independent variables and observing the effect on one or more dependent variables. This controlled approach allows researchers to identify whether changes in the independent variable directly cause changes in the dependent variable, which is crucial for understanding the relationships between different psychological phenomena.

While other methods, like surveys or observational studies, can provide valuable information and insights, they do not typically allow researchers to establish causation definitively. For instance, analyzing historical trends might highlight correlations but does not demonstrate how one variable influences another. Similarly, compiling anecdotal evidence and surveying public opinion can gather opinions or experiences without the rigor needed to test causal relationships. Therefore, establishing causation through carefully designed experiments remains a fundamental goal in psychological research.