Experiments Flashcards
What is the logic of ‘Lab Experiments?’
Scientist manipulates variables in which they are interested in discovering an effect
What do ‘Lab Experiments’ establish?
Cause-and-Effect relationship
What groups are part of ‘Lab Experiments?’
Experimental + Control group
What is a ‘Independent Variable?’
Casual factor
What is the ‘Dependant Variable?’
Depends on independent variable
What are the positives with ‘Lab Experiments?’
- Reliable
- Detached
- Researchers’ personal feelings don’t impact outcome
- Objective
What are the negatives with ‘Lab Experiments?’
- Impossible to control all variables
- Less representative
- Artificial environment
- Hawthorn Effect
What is the logic of ‘Field Experiment?’
Experiment takes place in subject’s natural surroundings than artificial environment
What are the positives with ‘Field Experiments?’
- Valid + realistic
- Avoids Hawthorne Effect
What are the negatives with ‘Field Experiments?’
- Unethical
- Less scope for control over variables
What is the logic of ‘Comparative Method?’
- ‘Thought experiment’
- Discover Cause-and-Effect relationship
How does the ‘Comparative Method’ operate?
- Identifies 2 groups of people that are alike expect for a major variable
- Compare 2 groups to see if that variable is significant
What are the positives with ‘Comparative Method?’
- Ethical
- Avoid artificiality
- Used to study past events
What are the negatives with ‘Comparative Method?’
- Less control over variables
- Less certain over discovered cause
