Experimental types Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are the four types of experiment?
Natural, field, laboratory, quasi
What is a natural experiment?
Researchers make use of a situation which is already happening
What is a strength of natural experiments?
High external validity as they involve the study of real world issues and problems as they happen
What is a weakness of natural experiments?
A naturally occurring event may only happen very rarely, reducing the opportunities for research
What is a laboratory experiment?
Takes place in a controlled, artificial environment
What is a strength of laboratory experiments?
High control over confounding and extraneous variables, giving high internal validity
What is a weakness of laboratory experiments?
May lack generalisability due to artificial nature of the lab, as well as lacking mundane realism and therefore ecological validity
What is a field experiment?
IV is manipulated and DV is measured in participants natural environment
What is a strength of field experiments?
Higher mundane realism because the environment is more natural, producing more valid and authentic behaviour
What is a weakness of field experiments?
Loss of control of confounding and extraneous variables
What is a quasi experiment?
IV is based on an existing difference between people
What is a strength of quasi experiments?
Often carried out under controlled conditions
What is a weakness of quasi experiments?
Cannot randomly allocate participants to conditions, therefore there may be confounding variables
