Types Of Experiment Flashcards
What is a field experiment?
An experiment in a natural setting where the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
What is a lab experiment?
An experiment in a controlled environment where the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
Also controlling EV’s
For example - in a lab or classroom
What is a natural experiment?
An experiment where the IV is natural and would have occurred without a researcher
The researcher records the effect on the DV
For example - a natural study (tsunami)
What is a quasi experiment?
It’s almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients
The IV isn’t determined, variables just exist (such as being old or young)
What are the strengths of a quasi experiment?
Allows comparison between the types of people
What are the weaknesses of a quasi experiment?
Random allocation isn’t possible
Because the IV was not determined by anyone, it is hard to say that is what affected the DV
What are the strengths of a lab experiment?
Good control over the extraneous variables so the researcher can be confident that the effect on the DV is likely to be because of the IV
Replication is possible because of the high level of control
What are the weaknesses of a lab experiment?
Lower ecological validity because the experiment isn’t like an everyday situation so therefore participants may act differently
Low mundane realism because the tasks don’t represent real life
Demand characteristics because they’re aware of being tested
What are the strengths of a field experiment?
High ecological validity so less likely to get artificial behaviour
High mundane realism because it represents a natural situation and they are unaware of being studied
Demand characteristics are less likely to happen because they are unaware of being studied
What are the weaknesses of a field experiment?
There is less control over the extraneous variables, so the effect on the DV might not be because of the IV
Replication is less likely because of the low level of controls
There are ethical issues because they can’t give consent to take part
What are the strengths of a natural experiment?
It provides opportunities for the researcher to do an experiment
High ecological validity because it is of a real life situation
Increased mundane realism
What are the weaknesses of a natural experiment?
The IV isn’t manipulated so it cannot demonstrate casual relationships
Random allocation is not possible because there may be confounding variables that can’t be controlled
