Experimental Method Flashcards
What is an experiment?
attempting to find a cause and effect relationship between an IV and a DV, and to measure the extent of this
What are the 4 types of experiment?
Laboratory, Field, Natural, Quasi
Define laboratory experiment.
The researcher manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV in highly controlled conditions
Laboratory experiment AO3.
- Good control over variables
- Tasks are generally artificial and lacks mundane realism
Define field experiment
Researcher manipulated the IV to measure the effect on the DV in a setting more reflective of real life
Field experiment AO3
- Good mundane realism
- Lack of control over variables
Define natural experiment
The IV occurs naturally (not manipulated) so researcher measures the effect of it
What’s an example of a natural experiment?
Examining the effects of a natural disaster on the people in the community
Natural experiment AO3
- Reflective of real life- generally not ‘tasks’ but does reflect real life
- No control over IV
Define quasi experiment
The IV has not been manipulated as it already exists as a stand alone characteristic. Can be both a lab type control or more natural, dependant on context
What’s an example of quasi experiment?
The difference between year 12 and year 13 assessment grades, the researcher cannot change who is in year 12 or 13 as its already set.
Quasi experiment AO3
- If setting is lab- good control
- If setting naturalistic- less control
- No control over participant groups
What’s the difference between natural and quasi experiments?
In a quasi-experiment the IV is selected by the researcher, while in a natural experiment the IV occurs ‘naturally,’ without the researcher’s intervention.
