Experiments Flashcards
What is meant by an independent variable?
Variable that is changed / manipulated
What is meant by a dependent variable?
Variable that is affected by the IV and is measured
What is meant by a control variable?
Variable that remains constant
What is operationalisation?
Defining a variable / idea so that it can be easily measured
What are the features of lab experiments?
- Artificial and controlled environment
- IV controlled by experimenter
- DV measured
What are 2 strengths of lab experiments?
1.High internal validity - Easy to control EV’s and ensures that any effect on the DV is due to manipulation of the IV
2.High validity - Easily replicated due to standardised procedures
What are 3 weaknesses of lab experiments?
- Low ecological validity - Findings cannot be generalised outside of research setting due to artificial environment
- Ppts may be decieved (ethical issue) and if not, ppts may show demand characteristics
- Low task validity - Tasks may not represent real life scenarios
What are the features of field experiments?
- Natural environment
- IV controlled by experimenter
- DV is measured
- Some EV’s
What is a strength of field experiments?
- High ecological validity due to natural environment
What are 2 weaknesses of field experiments?
- Hard to control EV’s
- Ethical issues - ppts may be unaware they’re being studied and cannot consent
What are the features of natural experiments?
- Naturally occuring IV
- DV measured
What are 2 strengths of natural experiments?
- Less demand charateristics
- High external validity - studies real life issues
What are 2 weaknesses of natural experiments?
- Cannot definitively establish cause and effect
- Ethical issues such as no consent
