experiments

Question 1

what are experiments

Answer 1

research situation where the researcher has a high degree of control

variables are identified and controlled

by manipulating the variables and observing what happens the researcher can discover cause and effect relationships

Question 2

what are the two types of experiments

Answer 2

laboratory experiments- hypothesis is tested under controlled and created environment focusing on independent and dependent variables

field experiments - hypothesis is tested in the real world and those involved are usually unaware

Question 3

what are the strengths of laboratory experiments

Answer 3

highly reliable - original experiment can specify precisely what steps were followed

can easily identify cause and effect relationships

liked by positivist for their scientific nature

Question 4

what are the weaknesses of laboratory experiments

Answer 4

artificiality - its an artificial environment and its unlikely results can be transferred to the real world

Hawthorne effect- knowledge that you’re in an experiment can change ones behaviour

consent - they usually involve deception which means obtaining informed consent can be difficult or impossible

cost - very expensive to be able to create a controlled environment which reflects the complexities of society

Question 5

what are the strengths of field experiments

Answer 5

less artificial than lab experiment’s because of that they have more ecological validity

people do not know that they are in an experiment meaning there wont be Hawthorne effect

liked by positivists for their scientific nature

Question 6

what are the weaknesses of field experiments

Answer 6

less control over variables so they are not as scientific

have limited application as very few situations that can be adapted to become a field experiment

do not gain consent of those involved as this would change the behaviour

gate keepers may prevent the research from happening for example head teachers may not allow researchers into school