Field Experiments Flashcards
why were field experiments developed
They follow the same logic in seeking to identify causes, but they aim to overcome the unnaturalness and lack of validity of laboratory experiments
two key features of field experiments that distinguish it from lab experiments
- It takes place in the subject’s natural surroundings rather than in an artificial laboratory environment
- Those involved are generally unaware that they are subjects of an experiment, which prevents the Hawthorne Effect - increased validity.
field experiments and isolation
The researcher isolates and manipulates one or more of the variables in the situation to see what effect it has on the subjects of the experiment
field experiments - studies
Rosenthal and Jacobson IQ test
They had to deceive the teachers, had they known the true nature of the IQ test and the purpose of the research, it would have been impossible to plant expectations in their minds and the experiment would have failed.
Broader Focus - They looked at the whole labelling process from teacher expectations through to their effect on pupils rather than just examining single elements in isolation.
aims of Rosenthal and Jacobson’s test
They wanted to plaint in the minds of the teachers a particular set of expectations about their pupils
They also wanted to see if this had any effect on pupil performance
field experiments evaluation
They are more natural and valid and avoid the artificiality of lab experiments. However, that is not always the case - the more natural and realistic we make the situation, the less control we have over the variables that might be operating. If so we cannot be certain if x is the cause of y
