Laboratory Experiments

Question 1

What are some theoretical strengths of lab experiments?

Answer 1

• high in reliability
• produced quantitative data, so cause and effect relationships can be seen
• highly detached, the researchers own opinions do not influence the outcome
• can assume the results are not affected by extraneous variables

Question 2

What are some practical limitations of lab experiments?

Answer 2

• unsuitable for studying society as it is impossible to control everything
• individuals are complex and it is impossible to match experimental and control groups
• cannot be used to study the past

Question 3

What are some ethical limitations of lab experiments?

Answer 3

• cannot achieve informed consent

- subjects may be harmed

Question 4

What are some theoretical limitations of lab experiments?

Answer 4

• small samples so it lacks representativeness
• the hawthorn effect may occur and reduce validity ( individuals may modify their behaviours in response to their awareness of being studied)
• the expectancy effect may reduce validity (expecting a result may unconsciously affect the outcome)
• the artificial nature of the study reduces its validity

Question 5

What are lab experiments?

Answer 5

• take place in controlled environments
• artificial setting
• researcher manipulates a variable in order to measure its effects on a persons behaviour