Psychology skills/ terms Flashcards
Laboratory experiment
an experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables
Field Experiments
A experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effects on the DV
Natural experiment
An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on a DV they have decided on
Quasi-experiment
A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV had not been determined by anyone
Laboratory experiment PROS
High control over extraneous and confounding variables making sure the researcher can be confident that effects on the DV are a result of the change to the IV.
Replication is more likely possible due to the high level of control
Laboratory Experiment CONS
May lack generalisability, not like everyday life.
Participants are usually aware they are being tested in a lab so this may give rise to ‘unnatural’ behaviour.
Field experiment PROS
Have high mundane realism, environment is more natural.
May produce behaviour that is more valid and authentic
Field Experiment CONS
Loss of control over extraneous and confounding variables.
Ethical issues if participants are unaware they are being studied
Natural experiment PROS
Provide opportunities for researchers that may not otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons.
Often have high external validity.
Natural experiment CONS
May only happen very rarely, reducing opportunities for research, may also limit the scope of generalisation of the findings.
Participants may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions
