Laboratory/Field/Natural/Quasi experiments

Question 1

Laboratory characteristics -

Answer 1

• Controlled environment
• Tend to have high internal validity from controlling all variables
• Tend to have low ecological validity as the tasks involved are more artificial.

Question 2

Field characteristics -

Answer 2

• Tends to be in a more natural environment with the IV still being manipulated by the experimenter
• Tend to have lower internal validity but higher external validity with greater mundane realism.
• Unlike participants in the lab they may be less likely to believe they are participating in an experiment.

Question 3

Natural characteristics -

Answer 3

• No direct manipulation of the IV through ethical or practical reasons.
• The DV may still be measured in a lab
• The IV is said to exist naturally

Question 4

Quasi characteristics -

Answer 4

• IV is also naturally occurring
• Defined as an almost experiment
• The IV is something that naturally exists.

Question 5

Laboratory strengths -

Answer 5

• Well controlled so extraneous variables are minimised, increases higher internal validity and so the fact that any change in the DV is due to the IV.

Question 6

Laboratory limitations -

Answer 6

Artificial where participants would not behave how they would in everyday life leading to lower ecological validity. Participants may act as if they know they are being studied so it may present demand characteristics. Lack mundane realism.