Experimental methods. Flashcards
what happens in a lab experiment?
researcher manipulates IV and records the effect on the DV.
controlled environment, control of extran variables,
what happens in a field experiment?
takes place in natural settings, so less control of extran variables.
researcher manipulates IV and records effect on DV
what happens in a natural experiment?
IV would have happened even if the researcher was not there ( naturally occuring)
No control for extran V’s
researcher records effect on DV
what happens in a Quasi experiment?
IV hasn’t been determined by anyone, the vriables already exist.
E.G. age, gender, personality, phobias.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of a lab experiment?
ADS:
-extran variables well controlled.
-can be replicated well dueu to high levels of control.
DIS:
-can be artificial=low ecological validity.
-DC’s= the participant may act differently becasue of the situation.
-lack of mundane realism=the tasks may not be generalisable to real life.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of a field experiment?
ADS:
-more ecologically valid than a lab experiment, and higher mundane realism.
-reduce DC’s if they’re less aware they’re in a study.
DIS:
-extran variables harder to control
-difficult to replicate as lower control.
-ethics=if unaware may invade privacy.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of a natural experiment?
ADS:
-allows study of phenomena which may not be possible for practical /ethical reasons otherwise.
-high ecological validity as studying real life problems as they happen
DIS:
-loss of control of extran variables. difficult to be sure it was IV effecting DV
-conditions not always possible to find, could be rare.
what are the advantages and disadvantages of a quasi experiment?
ADS:
-often in lab conditions so similar strengths to lab experiment
DIS:
-cant randomly allocate participants to conditions which may lead to confounding variables.
