Experiments Flashcards
Laboratory Experiment
An investigation that takes place in a controlled environment. It has an IV and DV and the aim is to discover the cause and effect between these variables by controlling or eliminating extraneous variables. It is useful for studying many types of behaviour such as memory or reaction tests but not behaviour that can be affected by the artificial settings of a laboratory.
Strengths of Laboratory Experiment
The most scientific method because of high levels of control
Cause and effect can be established which helps with internal validity
Weaknesses of Laboratory Experiment
Conducted in an unnaturalistic environment
Participants may show demand characteristics
Can be seen as reductionist as it only isolates variables under consideration
Field Experiment
An experiment conducted in a natural environment, but there is still an IV manipulated and DV measured. There is a level of control over extraneous variables but not as much as in a lab experiment because naturalistic environments are more unpredictable. It is useful for studying behaviour that needs to be seen and tested in a natural environment such as conformity and obedience
Strengths of Field Experiment
Conducted in a naturalistic environment so behaviour is natural
Cause and effect can be measured and some extraneous variables are controlled
Weaknesses of Field Experiment
Not all extraneous variables can be controlled
Participants may be unaware and not given consent which is unethical
Natural Experiment
Occurs in a real life environment environment and has an IV and DV but the researchers do not manipulate the IV as it happens naturally. They are generally opportunist which means that they make use of unique and naturally occurring situation which would be difficult and even unethical to set up
Strengths of Natural Experiment
The IV is naturally occurring and needs no manipulation
The environment is real and naturalistic
Weaknesses of Natural Experiment
Participants cannot be randomly allocated to conditions so there may be participant variables that influence the findings
Extraneous variables are difficult to control
