RESEARCH METHODS Flashcards
What is a laboratory experiment?
An experiment carried out in a controlled setting
What are the cons of a laboratory setting? [2]
- participants know they are being studied and may change their behaviour
- low in mundane realism
What are the pros of a laboratory setting? [1]
-can be easier to control
What is a field experiment?
A controlled experiment conducted outside a laboratory setting, participants are usually unaware they are being studied on
What are the cons of a field experiment [2]`
- less control of extraneous variables
- ethical issues because participants aren’t aware they are being studied on
What are the pros of a field experiment [1]
-more natural and representative of everyday life
What is an opportunity sample?
A sample of participants produced by selecting people who are most easily available at the time of study
What are the pros of an opportunity sample? [1]
Takes less time to find participants because you can use the first available people
What are the cons of an opportunity sample? [1]
-biased because sample is drawn from a small part of the population
What is a volunteer sample?
A sample of participants that relies solely on volunteers to make up the sample. Could also be called a self-selected sample.
What are the pros of a volunteer sample [1]
Gives access to a variety of participants which makes sample more representative
What are the cons of a volunteer sample? [1]
Participants are likely to be highly motivated or have a lot of time on their hands, this result in a volunteer biast
