Research Methods - Experimental Methods & Designs

Question 1

Laboratory experiment

Answer 1

Controlled environment, IV manipulated with strong control of EVs & effect on DV recorded

Question 2

Field experiment

Answer 2

Natural setting, IV manipulated with no control of EVs & effect on DV recorded

Question 3

Natural experiment

Answer 3

Natural setting, IV changes on its own after being decided by researcher & effect on DV recorded

Question 4

Quasi-experiment

Answer 4

Lacks key ingredients, variables exist without being determined (environment can be controlled & DV recorded)

Question 5

Experimental design

Answer 5

Different ways participants are organised in relation to experimental conditions

Question 6

Independent groups design

Answer 6

Allocation to different groups, each representing a different condition (can only take part in one condition)

Question 7

Repeated measures design

Answer 7

Participants take part in all conditions

Question 8

Matched pairs design

Answer 8

Participants are matched by a characteristic that may affect the DV & each assigned to a condition

Question 9

Random allocation

Answer 9

Controlling participant variables present in independent groups design which allows for equal chance to be in either condition

Question 10

Counterbalancing

Answer 10

Controlling order effects present in repeated measures design by half experiencing the conditions in one order & the other half the opposite

Question 11

Single-blind procedure

Answer 11

Participant unaware of what group they have been assigned to

Question 12

Double-blind procedure

Answer 12

Neither participant nor researcher is aware of which group the participant is in (outsider will be aware)

Question 13

Strengths of lab studies

Answer 13

High control of EVs
Replicable

Question 14

Limitations of lab studies

Answer 14

Lacks ecological validity
Demand characteristics are more likely

Question 15

Strengths of field studies

Answer 15

High ecological validity
Limited demand characteristics

Question 16

Limitations of field studies

Answer 16

Hard to control EVs
Ethical issues (informed consent)

Question 17

Strengths of natural studies

Answer 17

High external validity
Provides research opportunities without ethical issues or manipulation

Question 18

Limitations of natural studies

Answer 18

Fewer opportunities for research
Less control of EVs

Question 19

Strengths of quasi studies

Answer 19

High external validity
High control of EVs

Question 20

Limitation of quasi studies

Answer 20

Confounding variables still have effect

Question 21

Strengths of independent groups design

Answer 21

Order effects don’t affect results
Less demand characteristics

Question 22

Limitations of independent groups design

Answer 22

More participants needed
More participant variables to take into account (helped with random allocation)

Question 23

Strengths of repeated measures design

Answer 23

Participant variables controlled
Less participants needed - saves time & money

Question 24

Limitations of repeated measures design

Answer 24

Order effects impact
Demand characteristics are present

Question 25

Strengths of matched pairs design

Answer 25

Order effects not an issue (1 condition)
Controlled participant variables (less demand characteristics)

Question 26

Limitations of matched pairs design

Answer 26

Time consuming & less efficient
Unable to control all participant variables