Experimental Methods (AO1 + AO3)

Question 1

4 Types of Experimental Methods

Answer 1

lab experiment
field experiment
natural experiment
quasi experiment

Question 2

Lab Experiment

Answer 2

experiments carried out in a special environment where variables can be controlled
(manipulates the IV)

Question 3

Positives of Lab Experiment

Answer 3

• high control of extraneous variables
• establish cause + effect
• high internal validity
• good replicability

Question 4

Negatives of Lab Experiment

Answer 4

• artificial setting
• tasks often lack mundane realism
• lacks generalisability
• low external validity
• demand characteristics

Question 5

Field Experiment

Answer 5

experiments carried out in a natural environment, a more everyday setting
(manipulates the IV)

Question 6

Positives of Field Experiment

Answer 6

• higher mundane realism
• more valid/authentic behaviour
• ppts unaware they are being studied
• high external (ecological) validity

Question 7

Negatives of Field Experiment

Answer 7

• lack of control over extraneous variables
• cant establish cause + effect
• ethical issues - ppts cant consent if they dont know the experiment

Question 8

Natural Experiment

Answer 8

an experiment where the researcher takes advantage of a naturally occurring IV, these are usually situational factors (e.g. if ppts have experienced an earthquake)
(does NOT manipulate the IV)

Question 9

Positives of Natural Experiment

Answer 9

• allows us to conduct research on topics we wouldnt otherwise be able to
• high external validity (real life issue)

Question 10

Negatives of Field Experiment

Answer 10

• very rare
• limits scope to generalise findings
• lack of control
• cant establish cause + effect due to confounding variables

Question 11

Quasi Experiments

Answer 11

an experiment where the researcher takes advantage of a naturally occurring IV. these are usually ppt factors (e.g. age, gender, anxiety levels)
(does NOT manipulate the IV)

Question 12

Positives of Quasi Experiment

Answer 12

• often carried out in controlled conditions so have all the same benefits as lab experiments
• higher external validity due to naturally occurring IV

Question 13

Negatives of Quasi Experiment

Answer 13

• lack of control
• cant establish cause + effect due to confounding variables
• cant randomly allocate ppts to reduce bias bc IV is pre-decided