Experiments Flashcards
repeatability (why is it important in science and experiments?)
someone can carry out the test again using the same method they should receive the same result
An experiment is ………. if there is enough information available about an
experiment so that someone other than the original experimenter can ……… the experimental procedures
natural experiments (study)
Non-experimental empirical practice
- no manipulation
- no intervention on target variable
- control of background variable (not achieved through manipulation)
field experiments
Maintain the same found conditions in both treatment and control group, varying only the intervention on the factor of interest.
- manipulation
- intervention on target variable
- control of background variable (not achieved through manipulation)
can not manipulate background variables., but can include intervention
simulation experiments
Construct a representation of a real system on a computer, and then perform various interventions on that representation
- Manipulation of representations, not real variables
- intervention on representation
- control of background variable representations
lab experiments
Construct the same background conditions in both treatment and control group (through manipulating the environment), varying only the intervention on the factor of interest.
- manipulation
- intervention on target variable
- control of background variable, achieved through manipulation
Reproducibility
if the exp. can be repeated using same methods, own equipment and the same results are obtained.
An experimental result is …………. if a competent repetition of the original
experiment YIELDS THE SAME RESULT
(SAME methods, new/own data, same results/conclusions)
Replicability
(Best if this is possible!)
Should reach same results/conclusion if NEW methods are used (through which new/own data is brought forth)
Order of the 3 R’s
1) replicable
2) reproducible
3) repeatable
Experiment is an observation process characterized by…
- Control of background variables through manipulation
- Intervention on target variable through manipulation
- Observation of difference produced by intervention
Operationalization
making feature of interest measurable, and that way observable.
linking an observable property to a feature of interest.
Ex.1 ) take temperature in a exp… need to operationalize temperature through a thermometer
Ex. 2) speed/…..operationalize through a speedometer
Experimental artifacts
aspects of the experiment itself that biases measurements…
an interpretation of an exp. that is not connected to real causes or real phenomena (ex. Hawthorne effect)
something that leads you to an illusion of a result
Control groups
make visible the effects of the intervention by comparison
Operationalism
the view that even the most basic concepts are DEFINED THROUGH OPERATIONS by which we measure them.
internal validity
The less chance for confounding in a study(more than one possible independent variable [cause] acting at the same time), the higher its internal validity is
looking only at the process WITHIN the experiment. free from exp. artifacts.
Ex.) not informing the participants of the Hypothesis is good internal validity.
Doesn’t have any exp. artifacts….an artifact would lessen internal validity
external validity
Ex.) the selection of the test group. This is not a part actually within the experiment.
