Laboratory Experiments

Question 1

What is a laboratory experiment?

Answer 1

An experiment carried out in a controlled environment.

Question 2

What is the second point about what a laboratory experiment is?

Answer 2

Artificial.

Question 3

What is the third point about what a laboratory experiment is?

(variables)

Answer 3

Variables can be highly manipulated.

Question 4

Are participants aware of the experiment in a laboratory experiment?

Answer 4

They are aware, possible no of the aims but they are aware they re taking part.

Question 5

What are the two advantages to laboratory experiments?

Answer 5

1) High internal validity

The experimenter has high control over research variables.
You can therefore be certain that any change in the DV is due to IV.

2) Easy to replicate

Due to high levels of control and standard procedures, it is easy to replicate in an identical way.

Question 6

What are the two disadvantages to laboratory experiments?

Answer 6

1) Low ecological validity

The results cannot be generalised beyond the research setting.
Lack of mundane realism.
Therefore behaviour may not be natural.

2) Demand characteristics

Participants may become aware of aims of experiment.
Validity reduced.