experimental methods Flashcards
what is an experimental method
where the researcher manipulates one variable (independent variable, IV) and measures its effect on another variable (dependent variable, DV) while controlling extraneous variables.
what is a laboratory experiment
an experiment conducted under highly controlled conditions. The independent variable is manipulated directly by the researcher. procedures are standardised and ppts are randomly allocated to conditions
what is a field experiment
conducted in a more naturalistic real world situation. The independent variable is manipulated directly by the researcher. ppts are randomly allocated to conditions
what is a natural experiment
when the iv varies naturally, the experimenter does not manipulate it but records the effect on the dependent variable.
what is a quasi experiment
the researcher takes advantage of pre existing conditions such as age or sex.
advantages of lab experiment
experimenter has controll over research variables
high reliability
high internal validity
cost and time efficient
advantages of field experiment
more natural
high external validity
low demand characteristics
advantages of natural experiment
allows research where iv can’t be manipulated for ethical reasons
high external validity
cost and time efficient
advantages of quasi experiment
allows comparison between types of people
high reliability cos it can be replicated
disadvantages of laboratory experiment
they know they are being studied which might effect their behaviour (demand characteristics)
disadvantages of field experiment
IV may lack realism (not like real life)
if they don’t know they are being studied it may be difficult to debrief them
disadvantages of natural experiment
cannot demonstrate causal relationships because IV is not directly manipulated
low reliability
disadvantages of quasi experiment
people may be aware their being studied which reduces internal validity
