Experiments Flashcards
Experiments
Sociologists have
occasionally use laboratory experiments as
a way of studying human behaviour; however
they also use field experiments and the
comparative method. Each of these methods
is different and happen in different
environments.
Laboratory experiments
The experimental group: with this group we would vary the quantity of
nutrients that they received, carefully measuring and recording any changes
in the plant’s size.
• The control group: with this group we would keep the quantity of nutrients
constant, also measuring and recording any changes in the sizes of the
plants.
The Hawthorne Effect
If people are aware they’re being studied they may
behave differently, Eg. second guess wat the
researcher wants them to do and act this way.
This problem has become known as “The Hawthorne Effect”
Advantages of laboratory experiments
PRACTICLE
Funding Bodies
Personal characteristics
Easy
EHTICAL advantages of lab experiments
Informed Consent
Legality
Benefits society
Theoretical advantages of lab experiments
Reliability
Specify the precise steps
Detached method
Disadvantages of lab experiments
Practical
Sample Size
Money
Time
Disadvantages of lab experiments ethical
Lack informed consent
Deception
Harm
Disadvantages of lab experiments theoretical
Validity
Representativeness
Advantages of field experiment practical
Sample size
Pre existing Setting
Money
Advantage of field experiment ethical
Confidentiality and privacy
Unintrusive
Advantage of field experiment theoretical
Validity
Representativeness
Disadvantage of field experiment practical
Time
Cant control variable and environment as it is real
Disadvantage of field experiment ethical
Consent
Covert
Disadvantage of field experiment theoretical
Reliability
