RESEARCH METHODS: Lab Experiments

Question 1

What is a laboratory experiment

Answer 1

A controlled artificial environment where the IV is manipulated

Question 2

Advantages of a laboratory experiment

Answer 2

• Controlled environment, so minimises problems w extraneous variables
• Can easily be replicated to check for same results
• Therefore high in reliability (internal validity)

Question 3

Disadvantages of a laboratory experiment

Answer 3

• An artificial environment so low mundane realism
• Participants may behave differently to normal or be affected by the environment (demand characteristics)
• It therefore may lack generalisability, so low external validity