Experiments Flashcards
What is a lab experiment
Directly manipulated IV in a controlled environment.
What is a field experiment
Directly manipulated IV in a realistic environment
What is a natural experiment
Naturally occurring IV, not consistent over time, realistic environment
What is a quasi experiment
Pre-existing IV that cannot be changed, controlled or natural setting
Why are experiments commonly used
They show cause and effect between the IV and the DV
Strengths of lab experiments
Standardised procedures
easy to replicate (check inter-rater reliability)
Strengths of field experiment
High ecological validity
easy to replicate
standardised procedures
high control on extraneous variables.
Strengths of natural experiment
High ecological validity
Investigate unique events that usually have practical and ethical constraints
real life issues
weaknesses of lab experiments
lack ecological validity
demand characteristics
lack mundane realism
Weaknesses of field experiments
ppt unaware they are being watched
extraneous variables
privacy may be invaded
Weaknesses of natural experiment
limited opportunity to generalise
extraneous variables
hard to replicate.
