Types of Experiments

Question 1

What is a Labatory Experiment?

Answer 1

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of EV

Question 2

Are Labatory experiments always in a lab?

Answer 2

No could be in a classroom etc

Question 3

What is the first strength of Labatory Experiments?

Answer 3

High control over confounding and extraneous variables

Question 4

Explain how they create this high control and what it creates?

Answer 4

Researcher can ensure that any effect on DV is likely due to IV so therefore more certain about demonstrating cause and effect creating HIGH EXTERNAL VAILIDITY

Question 5

What is a second strength of Labatory Experiments?

Answer 5

Replication is possible because of high level control

Question 6

What does this replication ensure and why is it vital?

Answer 6

Ensures EV’s are not introduces when repeating and replication is vital to see whether finding’s are valid and not a one off

Question 7

What is a limitation of Labatory Experiments?

Answer 7

Lack Generalisability

Question 8

Why may Labatory Experiments lack generalisability?

Answer 8

Experiment may be artificial in comparison to everyday life as pps are aware they are being tested in lab experiment and might display demand characteristics

Question 9

Why may Labatory Experiments have Low External Validity?

Answer 9

In unfamiliar context pps may behave in unusual ways so behaviour can’t be generalised

Question 10

What is another limitation of Labatory Experiments?

Answer 10

Low Mundane Realism

Question 11

Why do Labatory Experiments may have Low Mundane Realism?

Answer 11

Pps asked to carry out lab experiment may not represent everyday experience

Question 12

What is a Field Experiment?

Answer 12

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on DV.

Question 13

What is a strength of Field Experiments?

Answer 13

Higher Mundane Realism over Lab Experiments as environment is more natural

Question 14

What might this Higher Mundane Realism mean for the Field Experiment?

Answer 14

May produce behaviour which is more valid and authentic as well as producing HIGH EXTERNAL VAILIDITY as pps are unaware they’re being studied

Question 15

What is a limitation of Field Experiments?

Answer 15

Increased Realism due to loss of control of CV’s and EV’s

Question 16

What will this increased realism mean for the Field Experiment?

Answer 16

Means cause and effect between IV and DV may be more difficult to establish and precise replication is not often possible

Question 17

What is another limitation of Field Experiments?

Answer 17

Ethical Issues

Question 18

Why is their Ethical Issues with Field Experiments?

Answer 18

If pps are unaware they’re being studies, they cannot consent and may involve invasion of privacy

Question 19

What is a Natural Experiment?

Answer 19

An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would’ve happened even if the researcher hadn’t been there. Effect on DV decided by them is recorded

Question 20

What is a Strength of Natural Experiments?

Answer 20

Allows research in areas that in controlled experiment couldn’t conduct research due to cost or ethical issues

Question 21

What is a further strength of Natural Experiments?

Answer 21

High external validity as conducted in natural settings with natural behaviours exhibited

Question 22

What is a limitation of Natural Experiments?

Answer 22

Difficult to say there is a cause and effect relationship as too many variables are unable to be controlled so could effect the outcome.

Question 23

What is another limitation of Natural Experiments?

Answer 23

Lack of reliability as incredibly unlikely to be able to replicate the same situation again to test.

Question 24

What is a Quasi Experiment?

Answer 24

A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV hasn’t been determined by anyone-the ‘variables’ simply exist e.g. being old or young

Question 25

Is a Quasi Experiment an Experiment?

Answer 25

No, not really

Question 26

What is a Strength of Quasi Experiments?

Answer 26

Often carried out under controlled conditions so there may be confounding variables

Question 27

What is a limitation of Quasi Experiments?

Answer 27

Cannot be randomly allocate pps to conditions so there may be confounding variables

Question 28

What is another limitation of Quasi Experiments?

Answer 28

IV is not deliberately changed so we cannot claim that the IV has caused any observed change