📚 Year 7 SQA Psychology: Key Practical Assessment Tips | Year 7 SQA 心理学：实验/实践考核要点
In Year 7 SQA Psychology, practical experiments are a fun and essential way to learn about human behaviour. Your practical assessment will test how well you can design, carry out, and evaluate a simple experiment. This guide will help you understand the key points you need to know to do well in your practical exam.
在 Year 7 SQA 心理学中，实践实验是学习人类行为的一种有趣且重要的方式。你的实践考核将测试你是否能设计、实施和评估一个简单的实验。本指南将帮助你了解在实践考试中取得好成绩需要掌握的关键要点。
1. Understanding Variables | 理解变量
In any experiment, a variable is something that can change or vary. You need to identify three main types: the independent variable (IV), the dependent variable (DV), and control variables. The IV is the factor you deliberately change. The DV is the factor you measure to see the effect. Control variables are all the other factors you keep the same to ensure a fair test.
在任何实验中，变量是指可以变化或改变的因素。你需要识别三种主要类型：独立变量（IV）、因变量（DV）和控制变量。IV是你有意改变的因素。DV是你测量以观察效果的因素。控制变量是你为了确保公平测试而保持相同的所有其他因素。
2. Formulating a Hypothesis | 形成假设
A hypothesis is a clear, testable prediction about the outcome of your experiment. It usually follows an “If… then…” format. For example, “If students listen to music while studying, then they will recall fewer words on a memory test.” Your hypothesis must be specific and mention the IV and DV.
假设是关于实验结果的清晰、可检验的预测。它通常采用 “如果……那么……” 的格式。例如，”如果学生在学习时听音乐，那么他们在记忆测试中回忆起的单词会更少。” 你的假设必须具体，并提及IV和DV。
3. Operationalising Variables | 操作化变量
Operationalising means defining your variables in a way that they can be measured or manipulated. For the IV, decide exactly how you will change it (e.g., music vs. no music). For the DV, decide exactly how you will measure it (e.g., number of words correctly recalled). This makes your experiment clear and repeatable.
操作化是指以一种可以测量或操纵的方式来定义你的变量。对于IV，要明确决定你将如何改变它（例如，听音乐与不听音乐）。对于DV，要明确决定你将如何测量它（例如，正确回忆的单词数量）。这使你的实验清晰且可重复。
4. Designing the Experiment | 实验设计
Your experiment needs an experimental condition (where the IV is applied) and a control condition (where the IV is absent or kept at a baseline). Participants should be randomly assigned to these conditions if possible, so each group is similar at the start. Always plan a fair test and consider how many participants you need.
你的实验需要一个实验条件（施加IV）和一个控制条件（IV不存在或保持在基线水平）。如果可能，参与者应随机分配到这些条件中，使每组在开始时情况相似。始终计划一个公平的测试，并考虑你需要多少参与者。
5. Controlling Extraneous Variables | 控制额外变量
Extraneous variables are any other factors that could affect your DV and ruin the experiment’s fairness. To control them, use standardised procedures: same instructions, same environment, same timing for all participants. This way, any difference in the DV is more likely due to the IV.
额外变量是指任何可能影响你的DV并破坏实验公平性的其他因素。为了控制它们，请使用标准化程序：所有参与者相同的指示、相同的环境、相同的时间安排。这样，DV的任何差异更有可能是由IV造成的。
6. Ethical Considerations | 伦理考量
Even in a school experiment, you must follow ethical guidelines. Get informed consent from participants (and parents if needed). Tell them they can withdraw at any time. Keep their data confidential. Protect them from physical or psychological harm. No deception unless absolutely necessary and explained afterwards.
即使在学校进行的实验中，你也必须遵循伦理准则。获得参与者（必要时包括家长）的知情同意。告诉他们可以随时退出。对其数据保密。保护他们免受身体或心理伤害。除非绝对必要并在事后解释，否则不得使用欺骗手段。
7. Data Collection Methods | 数据收集方法
Decide how you will collect data. Common methods include observation checklists, questionnaires, or performance tests (like memory recall tasks). Make sure your data collection tool is directly linked to your DV. Use the same tool for all participants to ensure reliability.
决定你将如何收集数据。常见方法包括观察清单、问卷或表现测试（如记忆回忆任务）。确保你的数据收集工具与DV直接相关。对所有参与者使用相同的工具以确保可靠性。
8. Recording and Organising Data | 记录与整理数据
Record raw data carefully in a prepared table. Label columns clearly (e.g., “Participant”, “Condition”, “Score”). After collecting data, you can organise it in a summary table showing averages (mean, median, or mode). Neat presentation of data is important in your practical report.
在预先准备的表格中仔细记录原始数据。清晰标注列（例如，”参与者”、”条件”、”分数”）。收集数据后，可以将数据整理到汇总表中，显示平均值（平均数、中位数或众数）。在实践报告中整洁地呈现数据非常重要。
9. Analysing Results | 分析结果
Look for patterns in your data. Compare the average DV scores between the experimental and control conditions. Is there a noticeable difference? Use descriptive statistics (like the mean) to summarise the data. You do not need complex statistical tests at Year 7 level; just describe what the numbers show.
寻找数据中的模式。比较实验条件和控制条件之间的平均DV分数。是否有明显的差异？使用描述性统计（如平均数）来汇总数据。在Year 7阶段，你不需要进行复杂的统计检验；只需描述数字所显示的内容。
10. Drawing Conclusions | 得出结论
Your conclusion should state whether your results support your hypothesis. Be honest: if the results did not match your prediction, that is still a valid finding. Do not claim that you “proved” anything; rather, say your findings “suggest” or “indicate”. Always link back to the original aim.
你的结论应说明结果是否支持你的假设。要诚实：如果结果与你的预测不符，这仍然是一个有效的发现。不要声称你 “证明” 了任何事情；相反，应该说你的发现 “表明” 或 “显示”。始终联系回最初的目的。
11. Evaluating the Experiment | 实验评估
A good psychologist thinks critically about their own experiment. Identify strengths (e.g., good controls) and limitations (e.g., small sample size, possible extraneous variables). Suggest realistic improvements for future studies. Evaluation shows you understand the scientific process, not just the results.
一个好的心理学家会批判性地思考自己的实验。识别优点（例如，良好的控制）和局限性（例如，样本量小，可能存在额外变量）。为未来的研究提出现实的改进建议。评估表明你理解科学过程，而不仅仅是结果。
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid | 常见错误避免
Watch out for these common errors: changing more than one variable at a time, not having a clear hypothesis, using leading questions in questionnaires, forgetting ethical guidelines, and drawing conclusions that go beyond the data. Plan carefully and double-check your design before starting.
小心这些常见错误：一次改变多个变量，没有明确的假设，在问卷中使用引导性问题，忘记伦理准则，以及得出超出数据范围的结论。在开始之前仔细计划并再次检查你的设计。
Published by TutorHao | Psychology Revision Series | aleveler.com
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