RM

Question 1

Lab experiments

Answer 1

Lab experiments are in a controlled setting where all variables are high controlled, e.g. noise, temp + participants experience by using standardised procedures

• Lab exps often involve quite artificial materials such as consonant syllables in Peterson and Peterson study of STM

Question 2

Strengths of lab experiments

Answer 2

• High internal validity because extraneous variables can be controlled- we can be confident that any observed change in DV is due to the IV.
• Easily replicated due to standardised procedures

Question 3

Weaknesses of lab experiments

Answer 3

• Participants usually aware their behaviour is being studied= demand characteristics making them alter behaviour to match aim
• The IV or DV may be operationalised in such way that it doesn’t represent everyday experiences- low in mundane realism.

Question 4

Field experiments

Answer 4

Field experiments are conducted in more natural settings- outside a lab. E.g. classroom.

Question 5

Strengths of field experiments

Answer 5

• Ptps not aware their behaviour is being studied so most likely to act natural not responding to demand characteristics.
• Higher external validity (mundane realism) so activities are more realistic.

Question 6

Weaknesses of field experiments

Answer 6

• Lower internal validity- difficult to control possible extraneous + confounding variables that could be influencing the measurement of the DV
• Ethical issues- if ptps don’t know they’re being studied it is difficult to debrief them. This raises ethical issues with manipulating and recording their behaviour

Question 7

Natural experiments

Answer 7

Experimenter has not manipulated the IV directly- occurs naturally.