Research Methods Evaluation Points

Question 1

5 points

Evaluate LAB experiments

Answer 1

-The researcher has high control over variables
-It’s artificial
-Participants are usually aware they are being tested, when in a lab
-The high level of control, make replication easier
-Participants may act differently as they are aware they are in an experiment

Question 2

5 points

Evaluate FIELD experiments

Answer 2

-Less control over variables
-The setting is more natural
-Participants may be unaware that they are being tested
-Less control over variables, makes replication harder
-Less chance of participants altering their behaviour

Question 3

Evaluate NATURAL experiments

Answer 3

-Less control over variables
-High external validity as they involve the study of real world issues
-Unethicalarticipants may be unaware of what the study is about
-The chances of a naturally occuring event happening during the study are low, so replication is also low
-Low in demand characteristics as a natural vent is less suspicious