Experimental Methods Flashcards
Lab Experiments
Controls as many variables as possible. Carried out in special setting e.g. a lab. Standardised procedures. Know in experiment
LE Strengths
High control of CVs and EVs so high internal validity.
Replication is possible.
LE Weaknesses
Lacks external validity, so lacks generalisability.
Aware being tested so show demand characteristics.
Low mundane realism
Field Experiment
conducted in more ordinary setting. Research still directly manipulates IV. May not know in experiment
FE Strengths
High mundane realism and high external validity.
Don’t know being researched so no demand characteristics.
FE Weaknesses
Lack of control of EVs and CVs.
Ethical issues.
Natural Experiment
Research does not directly manipulate IV as it occurs naturally. Not ethically or practically possible to manipulate IV.
NE Strengths
Cheaper
Opportunities not taken can now be
High external and ecological validity
Protected from investigator effects
NE Weaknesses
Lacks generalisability
Little control over EVs and CVs so low internal validity
Lacks mundane realism.
Demand characteristics may appear
Quasi Experiment
IV has not been made to vary e.g. personal characteristics. IV is difference between pps that already exists. Can’t be randomly allocated to conditions
QE Strengths
High internal validity
QE Weaknesses
Can’t say IV cause change as don’t manipulate it.
Not replicable
