The course focuses on both the theoretical design of experiments and their practical application - from hypothesis formulation to data analysis. At the same time, an introduction to the statistical treatment of experimental data (e.g. t-test, ANOVA) is given.

The course first covers the concept and historical development of experiments, proceeds to present the basic types of design (laboratory, field, online, physical and pseudo-experiments), and places particular emphasis on hypothesis formulation, variable selection and measurement, sampling and randomization. A specific section is included on ethical issues, such as deception and consent, and on writing and presenting results.

Particular attention is given to the statistical treatment of experimental data.