Experiments

Question 1

Key features of experiments (4)

Answer 1

manipulation
random assignment
experimental control
post experiment

Question 2

Advantages of experiments

Answer 2

establishing causality
correlation
time order
not spurious

Question 3

Uncovered mechanisms

Answer 3

experiments allow researches to understand how and why outcomes occur

Question 4

Testing abstract theories

Answer 4

lab settings-> control over environment

artificiality: good for abstract theories

Question 5

Types of experiments (4)

Answer 5

Laboratory
Population-based survey
Field
Natural

Question 6

Laboratory

Answer 6

high internal validity
limited external validity

Question 7

Population-based survey

Answer 7

incorporate experiment into survey
vignettes
better external validity than labs
lower internal validity

Question 8

Field

Answer 8

real-world setting
Interventions, audit studies
better external validity than labs
more limited internal validity
less appropriate for testing theories or assessing why

Question 9

Natural

Answer 9

observe a real-world situation
real world settings
lower in internal validity

Question 10

Steps in conducting an experiment (lab and field)

Answer 10

select (create) setting

manipulate the independent variable
(between or within subjects)

Measure of dependent variable

Wrap up