Experimental methods Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics: Laboratory experiment (3)
A
- takes place in lab (artificial environment)
- researcher manipulates IV and controls all other variables (to avoid confounding variables
- controlled environment and standardized procedures
2
Q
Strengths: Laboratory experiment (3)
A
- can establish cause-effect
- variable control and accuracy of measurements = objectivity
- easy to replicate = increase reliability
3
Q
Limitations: Laboratory experiment (3)
A
- artificiality = decrease ecological validity
- results may be biased because of demand characteristics
- deception sometimes necessary (ethics)
4
Q
Characteristics: Field experiment (3)
A
- takes place in natural environment
- impossible to obtain total control = confounding variables
- researcher manipulates IV
5
Q
Strengths: Field experiment (2)
A
- has more ecological validity than lab exp because behaviour occurs in a natural environment
- fewer demand characteristics (esp if participants do not know they are being studied)
6
Q
Limitations: Field experiment (4)
A
- risk of bias from confounding variables because there is less control
- nearly impossible to replicate
- more difficult to record data accurately
- possible ethical issues: informed consent, invasion of privacy
7
Q
Characteristics: Natural experiment (2)
A
- the IV is naturally occurring
- researcher does not manipulate the variables byt records possible effects of a variable (IV) on another (the dependent variable DV)
8
Q
Strengths: Natural experiment (2)
A
- natural behaviour, natural environment = ecological validity high
- little bias from demand characteristics esp if participants do not know they are being studied
9
Q
Limitations: Natural experiment (3)
A
- impossible to establish cause-effect relationship
- impossible to replicate exactly
- possible ethical issues: consent, deception, invasion of privacy
