Lab and field experiments Flashcards
what is a lab experiment?
- an experiment conducted in a special environment where variables can be controlled
what are field experiments?
conducted in a participants natural surroundings
The IV is still manipulated by the researcher and the researcher measures the DV
- participants aren’t usually aware they are participating in an experiment
what do field experiments have?
low internal validity (difficult to control extraneous and confounding variables)
High external validity (greater mundane realism)
what do lab experiments have?
low ecological validity - they are aware they are being studied/material = artificial
high internal validity
strengths of lab experiments?
extraneous variables can be controlled which means we can be confident that any observed changes in the DV is due to the IV
weakness of lab experiments
low ecological validity - participants feel uncomfortable so they would not act realistically
IV or DV may be operationalised in such a way that does not reflect everyday experiences
Participants are aware they are being studied which leads them to search for cues about the aims of the experiment and may affect the participants behaviour reducing realness
Strengths of field experiments
not aware behaviour is being studied which means no response to demand characteristics
takes place in a natural setting so participants are more likely to be relaxed
weakness of field experiments
more difficult to control extraneous variables
major ethical issues as participants do not know they are being studied - it would be difficult to debrief them. Is this manipulating and recording their behaviour?
