Experiments

Question 1

what are the two types of experiments

Answer 1

laboratory and field

Question 2

describe laboratory experiments

Answer 2

hypothesis is tested under a controlled environment focusing on independent and dependant variables

Question 3

describe field experiments

Answer 3

hypothesis is tested in the ‘real world’ those involved are usually unaware

Question 4

who prefers experiments

Answer 4

positivists

Question 5

give a theoretical strength of lab experiments

Answer 5

reliable; controlled variables=easier to replicate and find cause/effect relationships

Question 6

give two theoretical weaknesses of lab experiments

Answer 6

• Hawthorne effect= behaviour changes due to artificial setting= less valid
• artificial setting means it is less applicable to real life

Question 7

give an ethical issue with lab experiments

Answer 7

consent; they usually involve some deception so consent may be impossible to obtain

Question 8

give two theoretical strengths of field experiments

Answer 8

• less artificial than a lab= ecological validity

* no hawthorne effect = more valid

Question 9

give two theoretical weaknesses of field experiments

Answer 9

• lacks reliability

* less control over variables = less applicable

Question 10

give two ethical weaknesses of field experiments

Answer 10

• don’t gain consent

* hard to protect from psychological harm