Research methods Flashcards
(117 cards)
What is a lab study?
Researcher has full control over all variables- standardised procedure.
The IV is manipulated and the change in the DV is measured.
Lab study- strengths
1)High internal validity
2)Highly replicable
3)Cause & Effect found
Lab study - Limitations
1)Demand characteristics
2)Lacks ecological validity- not generalisable as it’s not a usual environment
3)Lack external validity- not a usual task
What is a field experiment?
An experiment done in a natural setting to avoid the artificial nature of a lab study. The IV is manipulated and the change in DV is measured.
Field experiment- strengths
1) Higher ecological validity as environment is natural
2)High mundane realism as behaviour is what participant would normally carry out.
3) No demand characteristics as participants are unaware they are in experiment.
Field experiment- limitations
1) Can’t control extraneous variables
2) Impossible to randomly assign participants into separate conditions.
What is a natural experiment?
Experiment done on naturally occurring IVs and measuring the DV which can’t be controlled by the researcher.
Natural experiment- strengths
1)Natural experiments allow research into areas that can’t be done otherwise due to ethical or cost issues.
2)High external validity- no demand characteristics.
Natural experiment- limitations
1)Not replicable as it’s a rare occurrence
2)Extraneous variables can’t be controlled so researcher can’t say cause and effect was found.
What is a quasi experiment?
When something already exists in the participants. The IV is naturally occurring which is what impacts the DV as all other factors that can impact the DV are controlled.
Quasi experiment- strengths
The only way to measure pre-existing traits.
Quasi experiment- limitations
Confounding variables
What is a controlled observation?
Variables are controlled to give participants the same experience, usually in a lab setting.
Controlled observation- strengths
1) Reliable- standardised procedure
2)Internal validity- no extraneous variables
Controlled observation- limitations
1)Demand characteristics
What is a natural observation?
Observation conducted in a natural environment.
Natural observation- strength
1)Generalisable
Natural observation- limitation
1) Extraneous variables are hard to control.
What is an overt observation?
Participants can see the observer.
Overt observation-strength
1) Ethical- informed consent given
Overt observation- limitation
2) Demand characteristics
What is a covert observation?
Participants can’t see observer
Covert observation- strength
1) No demand characteristics
Covert observation- limitation
1) Ethical issue- no informed consent