experimental methods Flashcards
what are lab experiments?
done under controlled conditions to minimise the effects of any ev’s. the researcher manipulates the iv to measure its effect on the dv
evaluate lab experiments
+ high control over ev’s prevents them from affecting the dv, which increases internal validity and makes it reliable
– the artificial setting limits ecological/external validity and makes it hard to generalise results outside the lab
what are field experiments?
done in a natural setting (a field which is anything but a lab), where the researchers manipulates the iv to measure its affect on the dv
evaluate field experiments
+ higher ecological validity so the results are more likely to be representative of daily life, and can be generalised easier
– less control over ev’s which could then impact the dv
– if participants don’t know they’re taking part it could be unethical as they can’t get informed consent
what are natural experiments?
the researchers examine the effect of an existing iv (usually a naturally occurring event like a flood) on the dv
evaluate natural experiments
+ high external validity as it is real life issues being studied
+ allows for a unique insight into real life situations
– no control over the environment and ev’s, so its hard to assess the effect of the iv on the dv, lowers the internal validity
what are quasi-experiments?
the researcher examines the effect of an existing iv (a difference between people like age or gender) on the dv
evaluate quasi-experiments
+ when conducted in a lab it is highly controlled which increases internal validity
– participants cant be randomly allocated, so there is a possibility of bias
