View source for Paradigm (experimental)

{{Short description|Experimental setup in behavioral sciences}}
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| image1 = Cooperative pulling experiment dogs.jpg
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| image2 = Sketch of a loose string paradigm apparatus.png
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| image3 = Sketch of a cooperative pulling experiment with otters.gif
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[[Image:Skinner box scheme 01.svg|175px|thumb|Skinner box]]

In the [[behaviour]]al sciences (e.g. [[psychology]], [[biology]], [[neurosciences]]), an experimental '''paradigm''',  is an [[experiment]]al setup or way of conducting a certain type of experiment (a [[protocol (science)|protocol]]) that is defined by certain fine-tuned standards, and often has a theoretical background. A paradigm in this technical sense, however, is not a way of thinking as it is in the [[Epistemology|epistemological]] meaning ([[paradigm]]).

{{Quote|In the social sciences empiricist experimentation has [[dependent and independent variables|independent [and dependent] variables]] and control conditions...What is the origin of the hypotheses which are studied? Given the basic [[design of experiments|design]], the [[hypothesis]] and the particular conditions for the experiment, an experimental paradigm must be made up. The paradigm typically includes factors such as experimental instructions for the subjects, the physical design of the experiment room, and the rules for process of the trial or trials to be carried out.<ref>Willer, David (1987). ''Theory and the Experimental Investigation of Social Structures'', p.24. Taylor & Francis. {{ISBN|9782881241567}}.</ref>}}

The more paradigms which are attempted, and the more variables within a single paradigm are attempted, with the same results, the more sure one is of the results, that, "the effect is a true one and not merely a product of artifacts engendered by the use of a particular paradigm."<ref>[[Leonard Berkowitz|Berkowitz, Leonard]] (1982). ''Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 14'', p.303. Academic Press. {{ISBN|9780080567280}}.</ref> The three core factors of paradigm design may be considered: "(a) ...the 'nuts and bolts' of the paradigm itself...; (b) ...implementation concerns...; and (c) resources available."<ref>Tully, Laura M. and Boudewyn, Megan A. (2018). "[http://methods.sagepub.com/case/creating-a-novel-experimental-paradigm-a-practical-guide Creating a Novel Experimental Paradigm: A Practical Guide]", ''SAGE Research Methods'' {{Subscription required}}.</ref>

{{Quote|An experimental paradigm is a model of research that is copied by many researchers who all tend to use the same variables, start from the same assumptions, and use similar procedures. Those using the same paradigm tend to frame their questions similarly.<ref>Levine, Gustav and Parkinson, Stanley (2014). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=1CIBAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT432 Experimental Methods in Psychology]'', unpaginated: n.8. Psychology Press. {{ISBN|9781317781035}}.</ref>}}

For example, the [[stop-signal paradigm]], "is a popular experimental paradigm to study [[response inhibition]]."<ref name="W&W">Wixted, John T. and [[Eric-Jan Wagenmakers|Wagenmakers, Eric-Jan]]; eds. (2018). ''Stevens' Handbook of Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Methodology'', p.419 & 330. John Wiley & Sons. {{ISBN|9781119170129}}.</ref> The [[cooperative pulling paradigm]] is used to study [[cooperation]]. The [[weather prediction test]] is a paradigm used to study [[procedural learning]].<ref name="W&W"/> Other examples include [[Skinner box]]es, [[rat maze]]s, and [[trajectory mapping]].

==See also==
*[[Glossary of experimental design]]
*[[Randomized controlled trial]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*(2013) "[https://www.nature.com/articles/srep03034/figures/1 Figure 1: Experimental paradigm]" example, ''Nature.com''.
* "[https://www.slideserve.com/bella/discovering-optimal-training-policies-a-new-experimental-paradigm Discovering Optimal Training Policies: A New Experimental Paradigm]" [[.ppt|.PPT]], ''SlideServe.com''.

{{Experimental design|state=collapsed}}

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[[Category:Design of experiments]]

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