Experiments Flashcards
What are experiments used for?
To test theories and to look for differences between 2 conditions
What does an experiment permit you to study?
Cause and effect
How do experiments differ from non experimental methods?
It involves the manipulation of one variable (iv) while trying to keep all other variables constant
If the iv is the only thing that changed, what is it responsible for the change in?
The dv
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment conducted in a special environment where variables can be carefully controlled
Do they know they’re taking part or know full aim in a laboratory experiment?
Know taking part. May not know true aims
Strengths of laboratory experiment?
Good control over extraneous variables so cause and effect identified
Increase replicability
Weaknesses of laboratory experiment?
Not possible all variables controlled
Artificial conditions may produce unnatural behaviour
Pps respond demand of situation so demand characteristics
Where are field experiments conducted?
Pps natural environment
What he still deliberately manipulated by the experimentor in field experiment??
The iv
Do they know they’re being observed? Field experiment
No
Strengths field experiment?
Higher mudane realism (lifelike)
Higher internal validity (measures what supposed to be measured
Avoids pps reactivity
Weaknesses field experiment
Less control extraneous variables
Difficult to replicate exactly
More time consuming so more expensive
How does iv change in natural experiment?
Naturally rather than being deliberately manipulated by researcher
Why can’t some Ivs be manipulated? Natural experiment
Practical/ethical reasons
