The Experimental Method

Question 1

What are the 3 key features of a true experiment?

Answer 1

o Manipulation of IV
o Random allocation
o Control of variables

Question 2

What are the 4 types of experiment?

Answer 2

Lab, Field, Natural and Quasi

Question 3

Lab Experiments - ADV and DISADV

Answer 3

ADVANTAGES
o True experiment
o Replicable - uses standardised procedures
o Can see cause and effect
o High control
DISADVANTAGES
o Low ecological validity (artificial)
o Demand characteristics
o Investigator effect
o Experimenter bias

Question 4

Field Experiments - ADV and DISADV

Answer 4

ADVANTAGES
o Experimenter can control IV
o Cause and effect
o No demand characteristics
o High EV
DISADVANTAGES
o Ethical issues
o Difficult to control confounding variables

Question 5

Natural Experiments - ADV and DISADV

Answer 5

ADVANTAGES
o High EV
o Can get around ethical constraints
DISADVANTAGES
o Hard to make casual conclusions
o Not replicable

Question 6

Quasi Experiments - ADV and DISADV

Answer 6

ADVANTAGES
o Take advantage of naturally occurring difference e.g.. gender
o Can be lab or natural
o Replicable
DISADVANTAGES
o Hard to make casual conclusions
o Not a TRUE experiment