experimental methods

Question 1

what is an experimental method

Answer 1

research technique used to investigate cause and effect relationships by manipulating an independent variable (IV) and measuring its effect on a dependent variable while controlling extraneous variables

Question 2

explain a key strength of lab experiments (variables)

Answer 2

allow researchers to control extraneous variables ensuring that the independent variable directly affects the dependent variable. This increases internal validity
ex. milgrams study on obediance- controlled procedure: 4 prompts

Question 3

how is a lab experiments good for Replicabilty

Answer 3

High controls means experiments can be repeated to check reliability
ex. Loftus and Palmer’s study on eye witness testimony was replicated to test consistancy of results

Question 4

how does ecological validity link to field experiments

Answer 4

Field and natural environments take place in real life settings, making findings more applicable to real world situations
Sherif

Question 5

key weakness of lab experiments (ecol val)

Answer 5

artificial settings can lead to demand charecteristics (some ppts suspected milgams was fake)
reduces validity

Question 6

Ethical issue with experimental methods

Answer 6

-involve deception
-lack of informed consent
-psychological distress
Milgram: ppl had seizures
[ Burger screened ppts for psychological disorders, put ethics measures in place]

Question 7

Weakness of Natural experiments

Answer 7

In real world settings, more extraneous variables
(Weather, mood ect) can intefere. Reduce reliability