types of experiment Flashcards
describe a laboratory experiment
conducted in highly controlled environments. It may not always be in a lab, it could be in a classroom etc
What is a strength of lab experiments? (CV’s)
Researchers have high control over CVs and EVs so researcher can ensure any effect on the DV is due to the manipulation of the IV. Therefore, a cause and effect relationship will be easier to establish. This is a strength because the experiment has high internal validity
describe a field experiment
the IV is manipulated in a more natural, everyday setting (in the field). Researcher goes to pp’s usual environment instead of pp’s going to a lab.
What is a strength of field experiments?
higher mundane realism as environment is more natural. Therefore behaviour is more valid and authentic as pp’s may be unaware they’re being studied (high external validity).
What is a limitation of field experiments?
no control over EV’s and CVs. Therefore Hard to replicate and establish cause and effect relationship.
PP’s can’t consent & there may be an invasion of privacy (ethical issues)
describe a natural experiment
Like a lab or field however the researcher has no control over the IV and can’t change it (someone or something causes it to vary). The IV is natural and the DV may also be natural or devised by researcher.
what is a strength of natural experiments?
provide opportunities for research that may not otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons.
high external validity because they involve the study of real life situations/issues
what are 2 weaknesses of a natural experiment?
Naturally occurring event may only happen very rarely so research opportunities are reduced, so generalisation may be hard
pp’s may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions this means researcher may be less sure whether the IV affected the DV.
describe a quasi experiment
they have an IV based on an existing difference between people (eg age or gender). No one has manipulated it, it just exists and can’t be changed. Can take place in both labs and the field
what is a strength of a quasi experiment?
often carried out under controlled conditions and therefore are easy to replicate and have high interval validity
what are 2 weaknesses of a quasi experiment?
Cant randomly allocate pp’s and therefore there may be confounding variables
the IV isn’t deliberately changed by the researcher so we can’t claim the IV has caused any changes in the DV
what happens in a true experiment?
the IV is under the direct control of the researcher whop manipulates it and records the effect on the DV. Only lab and field experiments are true experiments
What is a strength of lab experiments? (Replication)
Replication is more possible than in other types of experiments because of the high level of control. This ensures that new EV’s aren’t introduced. It is vital to check the results of any study. Increases validity of the research
What is a limitation of lab experiments? (Mundane realism)
They have low mundane realism as tasks don’t represent everyday experience. As a result, puts are aware that they are being tested so may be susceptible to demand characteristics. Therefore, findings may not represent real life
What is external validity?
The degree to which a research finding can be generalised to other settings
