Experimental Methods

Question 1

Laboratory

Answer 1

• An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment
• The researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
• Maintaining strict control of extraneous variables.

Question 2

Field experiment

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Natural experiment

Answer 3

An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there.
• The researcher records the effect on the DV.

Question 4

Quasi experiment

Answer 4

• A study that is almost an experiment but the IV has not been determined by anyone.
• The “variables” simply exist. • E.g. being old or young.

Question 5

High ecological validity

Answer 5

indicates that the findings of the research can be generalized and applied to real-life situations.

Question 6

Low ecological validity

Answer 6

indicates that findings cannot be generalised to real life