EXPERIMENTS

Question 1

Definition: Lab experiments

positivists

Answer 1

A hypothesis is tested in a controlled condition, usually in a lab. All other variables are kept constant/controlled, apart from the dependent and independent variable. Researcher tries to identify trends through changes

Question 2

Definition: Field experiments

interpretivists

Answer 2

Conducted in normal social situations, e.g. classroom or the street corner

Question 3

Lab experiments: PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES

Answer 3

• no travelling for researcher; done at ‘work’

- don’t need to access the school

Question 4

Lab experiments: PRACTICAL DISADVANTAGES

Answer 4

• schools are large organisations: impossible to control and identify every variable (theoretical: not reliable)
• time consuming

Question 5

Lab experiments: THEORETICAL ADVANTAGES

Answer 5

• reliability: if there is a clear control/manipulation of variables then it may be reliable
• Very detached method: personal feelings have no effect on the conduct as variables are controlled
• narrow focus (can be negative if you cannot see the bigger picture)

Question 6

Lab experiments: THEORETICAL DISADVANTAGES

Answer 6

• Hawthorne effect: a lab is not a natural environment, so the subjects may change their behaviour to fit what they think the researcher (or their teachers) want. - distorts data/lacks validity/artificiality
• if students are not used, then how effective/valid is this method
• Lacks representation: only possible with small amount of people

Question 7

Lab experiments: ETHICAL DIS/ADVANTAGES

Answer 7

• (adv.) reduced ethical issues if no students are used

(disadv. ):
- if students used, then they are at greater risk of deception and psychological harm as they are a vulnerable group
- harder to gain consent from children

Question 8

Field experiments: PRACTICAL DIS/ADVANTAGES

Answer 8

• (adv.) unique groups can be studied in their natural environment

(Disadv.):

• variables cannot be easily controlled if not in lab
• need to access the school if in classroom
• need to travel

Question 9

Field experiments: THEORETICAL DIS/ADVANTAGES

Answer 9

(adv. ):
- high validity as in natural environment; eliminate Hawthorne effect
- good for qualitative data (interpretivists)

(disadv. ):
- lack of reliability: variables cannot be controlled

Question 10

Field experiments: ETHICAL DISADVANTAGES

Answer 10

• deception and a lack of informed consent can lead to psychological and possible physical harm