The essence of the experimental method is

AThe correct calculation of Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation

BObtaining direct reports from subjects about their subjective experience

CCareful measurement and record keeping

DUsing control to identify cause-and-effect connections ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) Using control to identify cause-and-effect connections

Explanation

The essence of the experimental method is using control to identify cause-and-effect connections.

Calculating Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation is a statistical step, not the core of experiment.

Obtaining direct reports of subjective experience belongs to introspective or interview methods.

Careful measurement and record keeping supports many methods and is not unique to experiment.

Control lets the experimenter isolate the independent variable from confounding influences.

Manipulation plus control is what makes causal inference possible in a true experiment.

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