Research Methods

Question 1

Name the types of experiments

Answer 1

Laboratory
Field
Natural
Quasi

Question 2

What is a laboratory experiment? Give an example

Answer 2

The IV is manipulated, the effect on the DV is recorded.
Takes place in highly controlled, artificial setting.
Eg Loftus and Palmer - study on effect of leading questions on memory

Question 3

Give the strengths of a laboratory experiment

Answer 3

• highly controlled -> control EVs, more reliable / obvjecive.
• can establish cause + effect -> internal validity.
• easily replicated -> can check validity.
• scientific equipment -> accurate measurements.

Question 4

Give the limitations of a laboratory experiment

Answer 4

• lack generalisability -> artificial situation = RPs behave differently -> low external validity.
• artificial situation -> demand characteristics -> participant reactivity.
• lack mundane realism -> situation, task don’t relate to real life.

Question 5

What is a field experiment? Give an example

Answer 5

IV is manipulated, effect on DV is recorded.
Similar to lab experiment, but in a natural environment eg observation.
Eg Pilliavin’s Subway Samaritan Study

Question 6

Give the strengths of a field experiment

Answer 6

• mundane realism -> natural environment = doesn’t affect behaviour.
• external validity -> can apply to everyday situations due to lack of control

Question 7

Give the limitations of a field experiment

Answer 7

• EVs -> situational variables -> confounding.
• difficult to replicate -> lack of control.
• consent may be needed -> if researcher manipulates IV

Question 8

What is a natural experiment? Give an example

Answer 8

IV not manipulated, DV may be naturally occurring / may be measured.
I.e. The effects of a real life event / situation are recorded.
Eg investigating effects of a tsunami on future mental illness

Question 9

Give the strengths of a natural experiment

Answer 9

• ecological validity -> naturally occurring event in RPs life -> results aren’t artificial -> can be generalised.
• avoids demand characteristics -> RP is unaware of being studied

Question 10

Give the limitations of a natural experiment

Answer 10

• EVs -> confounding.

* sample bias -> less control over which RPs in each condition -> can’t be generalised

Question 11

What is a quasi experiment? Give an example

Answer 11

IV is pre-existing, DV may be naturally occurring / measured.
I.e. Gender, age, social class can't be determined by researcher.
Eg investigating effect of personality type on intelligence

Question 12

Give the strengths of a quasi experiment

Answer 12

[same as lab]
• controlled
• replicable
• equipment

Question 13

Give the limitations of a quasi experiment

Answer 13

• participant variables may have caused change in DV -> confounding due to lack of control.
• can’t identify cause + effect -> no manipulation of IV

Question 14

Name the observational techniques

Answer 14

Naturalistic
Controlled
Overt
Covert
Participant