RM: Types of experiments

Question 1

What is a lab experiment?

Answer 1

-experimenters have full control over what happens in the experiment and all EVs
-the IV is the only variable which can affect the DV
-ppts are aware they are being studied

Question 2

What is a field experiment?

Answer 2

-experiments that take place in natural settings
-they avoid the artificial nature of lab studies
-ppts may not know they are being studied

Question 3

What is a natural experiment?

Answer 3

-the experimenter has no control over the IV/it cannot be controlled
-The relationship between the IV and DV is not certain and cannot be replicated

Question 4

What is a quasi-experiment?

Answer 4

-ppts cannot be randomly assigned to conditions
-researchers have no control over the variables

Question 5

What is a standardized procedure?

Answer 5

-a consistent/uniform set of instructions/methods used in a research study
-allows an experiment to be retested.

Question 6

What is reliability?

Answer 6

-measure of whether something stays the same/an experiment is consistent

Question 7

What is random allocation?

Answer 7

-assigning ppts to random groups in a random and unbiased way

Question 8

What is internal validity?

Answer 8

-the extent that a research study accurately identifies a relationship between variables
-rules out alternative explanations

Question 9

What is ecological validity?

Answer 9

-the extent that the finding of a study can be generalized to real-world settings/situations

Question 10

What is mundane realism?

Answer 10

-the degree to which an experiment/study resembles real-life situations

Question 11

Strengths of lab experiments?

Answer 11

-high control over EVs- increases internal validity
-replication (possible due to standardisation)

Question 12

Limitations of lab experiments?

Answer 12

-environment may be artificial- findings have low ecological validity
-tasks can be artificial- lack mundane realism
-demand characteristics

Question 13

Strengths of field experiments?

Answer 13

-more mundane realism
-ppts do not know they are involved- higher ecological validity
-less demand characteristics

Question 14

Limitations of field experiments?

Answer 14

-less control of EVs- lower internal validity
-ethical issues (ppts unaware they are being studied)

Question 15

Strengths of natural experiments?

Answer 15

-provide opportunities for research that might not be done for practical/ethical reasons
-high ecological validity

Question 16

Strengths of Quasi experiments?

Answer 16

-high control over EVs
-replication of similar variables possible (standardization)

Question 17

Limitations of quasi experiments?

Answer 17

-ppts cannot be randomly allocated- ppts confounding variables