Experimental methods- research methods Flashcards
Summary of labatory experiment
-controlled conditions
-manipulates IV
-measures DV
Summary of field experiments
-Natural conditions
-Manipulate IV
-Measures the DV
Summary of natural experiments
-Natural conditions
-IV is naturally occurring e.g. unemployment and earthquake
-Measures the DV
Summary of Quasi Experiment
-Controlled and natural conditions
-IV is naturally occurring difference between people e.g. gender age or personality
-Measures the DV
Strength of lab experiments
-high degree of control of extraneous variables
-prevent extraneous variables becoming confounding
-validity as cause an effect can be drawn
Weakness of lab experiments
-lack external validity and ecological validity
-demand characteristics can be seen
Weakness of field experiments
-less control from extraneous variables so can become confounding so no clear cause and effect
-ethical issues as cannot give informed consent
Strength of field experiments
-higher level of ecological validity
Strength of natural experiments
-high level of external validity and ecological validity
-unique insights gained because can conduct experiments where else it may be unethical or practical constraints
Weakness of natural experiment
-no control of extraneous and so confounding variables so cause and effect cannot be drawn
-naturally occurring events may happen very rarely so limited generalisation
Strength of quasi
-compare different types of people easily where else may not be ethical
Weakness of quasi
-since IV is already pre decided researchers less sure that IV alone will have caused the effect
-environmental factors may play role in outcome
