Experiments

Question 1

What are the features of lab experiments?

Answer 1

1. Conducted in a tightly controlled environment
2. Experimenter deliberately manipulates the independent variable
3. Experimenter measures the dependent variable
4. Experimenter controls the extraneous variables
5. Procedure and instructions are standardised

Question 2

What are the strengths of lab experiments?

Answer 2

1. Cause and effect can be established meaning the research is high in validity
2. The reliability can be checked meaning the consistency of the findings can be verified

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of lab experiments?

Answer 3

1. Low ecological validity meaning the findings are less credible and cannot be applied beyond the setting of the experiment
2. Bias from demand characteristics, meaning the internal validity of the study is compromised

Question 4

What are the features of field experiments?

Answer 4

1. Conducted in a more natural environment
2. Experimenter deliberately manipulates the independent variable
3. Experimenter measures the dependent variable
4. Experimenter controls some of the extraneous variables

Question 5

What are the strengths of field experiments?

Answer 5

1. Greater ecological validity
2. Less bias from demand characteristics

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of field experiments?

Answer 6

1. More difficult to establish cause and effect
2. More difficult to check reliability

Question 7

What are the features of natural/ quasi experiments?

Answer 7

1. Conducted in a completely naturally occurring event
2. Experimenter has no control over the independent variable
3. Experimenter measures the dependent variable
4. Experimenter has no control over the extraneous variables

Question 8

What are natural experiments?

Answer 8

• Cannot show cause and effect
• No control over independent variable
• No control over how the dependent variable is measured

Question 9

What are quasi experiments?

Answer 9

• Theory of mind
• No control over independent variable
• Control over how dependent variable is measured

Question 10

What are the strengths of natural/ quasi experiments

Answer 10

1. The greatest ecological validity meaning the results are useful and can be generalised
2. Least likely to suffer bias from demand characteristics

Question 11

What are the weaknesses of natural/ quasi experiments?

Answer 11

1. Most difficult to establish cause and effect meaning the experiment lacks validity
2. Most difficult to check reliability meaning you cannot receive consistent results