Experimental Methods Flashcards

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1
Q

Define experimental method

A

How the conditions in the study are controlled

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2
Q

What are the four types of experimental method?

A
  • Laboratory
  • Field
  • Natural
  • Quasi
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3
Q

Define confounding variables

A

Any variable that WILL impact the results of the study (other than the IV)

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4
Q

Define the Laboratory” experimental method

A

An experiment carried out in:
- A controlled environment where the IV, conditions and extraneous variables can be controlled and changed
- Participants can be randomly allocated to conditions

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5
Q

Define the “Field” experimental method

A

An experiment carried out in:
- A natural environment where the IV and conditions can be controlled and changed
- Participants can be randomly allocated to conditions
Extraneous variables can’t be controlled

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6
Q

Define the “Natural” experimental method

A

An experiment carried out in:
- A controlled or natural environment
- The experimenter makes use of a naturally occurring difference in the IV
- Participants cannot be randomly allocated to conditions
- Extraneous variables and conditions can’t be controlled

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7
Q

Define the “Quasi” experimental method

A

Not strictly speaking an experiment:
- A study where the IV has not been determined by anyone - the variables simply exist (e.g. being young or old)

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8
Q

Define internal validity

A

The extent to which the research
has measured what it wants to

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9
Q

Define external validity

A

The extent to which the findings
can be applied to real-world situations outside of the research setting

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10
Q

Define mundane realism

A

How well the tasks/materials used represent everyday
experiences

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11
Q

Define replicable

A

To what extent the experiment can be replicated accurately

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12
Q

Define generalisable

A

The extent to which the findings of an experiment can be applied to the general population being studied

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13
Q

Evaluate the “Laboratory” experimental design

A

Pros:
- There is high control over confounding/extraneous variables
- The study has high internal
validity
- The study is easily replicable

Cons:
- Not generalisable (controlled
setting does not represent
everyday life)
- The study will have low
external validity (Materials/tasks
used aren’t usually ones used
in everyday life)
- Lacks mundane realism

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14
Q

Evaluate the “Field” experimental design

A

Pros:
- There is moderate
external validity
- Participants are likely to show less demand characteristics

Cons:
- Less control over confounding/
extraneous variables
- Less internal validity
- Hard to replicate due
to reduced standardised
procedures and control
- Ethics - If participants
are unaware they’re
being studied

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15
Q

Evaluate the “Natural” experimental design

A

Pros:
- Provides opportunity for research that wouldn’t otherwise be done
- High external validity (because the IV is naturally occurring)

Cons:
- Participant variables could have an effect on the DV (because participants can’t be randomly assigned to a
condition)
- We can’t claim causation because we didn’t deliberately change the IV

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16
Q

Evaluate the “Quasi” experimental design

A

Pros:
- Often carried out in a controlled environment
- The research is likely to be easy to replicate
- Would have moderate internal
validity

Cons:
- Participant variables could have an effect on the DV
- We can’t claim causation because we didn’t deliberately change the IV