Experiements: Ecological validity Flashcards
1
Q
What is ecological validity?
A
Concerns the ability to generalise a research finding beyond the particular setting in which it is demonstrated to other settings.
In the case of an experiements the issuee is whether the experiemntal experience represents the actual behaviour being investigated
2
Q
How to deal with low ecological validity?
A
- Conduct research in everday settings and compare to studies that are highly controll but lack ecological validity. This can condirm overall validity.
- The process is called triangulation- comparing the results from a number of studies, some of which are highly controlled and some with low control. If the studies have similar finsings this increases the likelihood that the conclusion represents something genuine.
3
Q
What are some postives of a lab experiment?
A
- High levels of control possible and therfore confounding/ extraneous variables can be minimised
- Can be easily replicated because most aspect of the environment have been controlled
4
Q
What are some negatives of a lab experiement?
A
- A contribed situation where ppts may not behave naturally (as they would in day to day life). Low ecological valdiity
- Demand characteristics and research bias/ effects reduce validity
5
Q
What are some positives of field experiments?
A
- Less contrived, the whole experience feels more like every day life. Therefore, there is usually higher ecological validity
- Avoids deman characteristics and researcher bias/ effects if ppts are not aware of being studied. This is true in some field experiements but not all.
6
Q
What are some negatives of a field experiment?
A
- Less sontrol of extraneous variables (reduced validity)
- May be more time consuming because the researcher has to set up the whole experiemnt at a distant location. Therefore, it may be more expensive.
- There may be ethical issues if ppts are not awar of being studied- informed consent and debriefing may not be possible.
