Types of Experiments

Question 1

Lab experiments

Answer 1

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables

Question 2

Lab experiments strengths

Answer 2

+ high control over confounding and extraneous variables
+ Validity
+ More chance of replication

Question 3

Lab experiments weaknesses

Answer 3

• Lack generalisability
• Artificial
• Low external validity
• Demand characteristics
• Low mundane realism

Question 4

Field experiments

Answer 4

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV

Question 5

Field experiments strengths

Answer 5

+ Higher mundane realism
+ Valid and authentic behaviour
+ Higher external validity

Question 6

Field experiments weaknesses

Answer 6

• Ethical issues

Question 7

Quasi experiments

Answer 7

A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV has nit been determined by anyone- the variables simply exist, such as being old and young

Question 8

Quasi experiments strengths

Answer 8

+ Carried out under controlled conditions
+ Can be replicated

Question 9

Quasi experiments weaknesses

Answer 9

• Can’t randomly allocate participants so there may be confounding variables

Question 10

Natural experiments

Answer 10

An experiment where the change in the IV isn’t brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on a DV they have decided on

Question 11

Natural experiments strengths

Answer 11

+ high external validity
+ real world

Question 12

Natural experiments weaknesses

Answer 12

• limit generalisation
• participants may not be randomly allocated
• less sure if IV affected the DV
• lack realism
• Demand characteristics