RESEARCH METHODS: types of experiments, experimental designs Flashcards
what is a laboratory experiment?
research conducted in a highly controlled environment. this can be done in either labs or classrooms as long as all conditions are contained.
what is a field experiment?
the IV is manipulated in a natural, more everyday setting , so the researcher goes to the ppts usual environment rather than a lab.
what is a natural experiment?
a mixture of lab and field experiment as the researcher measures the effect of the IV+DVs however the researcher has no control over the IV and cannot change it.
what is a quasi experiment?
has an IV based on existing differences between people e.g. age/gender . there can be no manipulation to this variable.
Strengths of lab experiments
high control over confounding and extraneous variables.
Strengths of field experiments
high mundane realism because the environment is more natural (like everyday life)
Strengths of natural experiments
provides opportunities for researchers that may not be undertaken by personal and ethical reasons.
Strengths of quasi experiments
can be replicated easily
weaknesses of lab experiments
lacks generalisation- do not relate to our everyday life.
weaknesses of field experiments
may be ethical issues- if ppts are unaware of what the study is.
weaknesses of natural experiments
ppts may not be randomly allocated to the experimental conditions.
weaknesses of quasi experiments
cannot claim that the IV caused any observed damage.
What is independent measures?
using different ppts for each condition of the expirement
What is repeated measures?
testing the same individuals on two or more conditions
What is matched pairs?
using different ppts for each condition of the experiment but ppts variables are controlled by matching ppts on key variables like age.
strength of using independent measures
no need to worry about order effect
strength of using repeated measures
participants variables are controlled
strength of using matched pairs
order effect and demand characteristics are not an issue.
weakness of using independent measure
a lot of time/money on ppts as well as participants variable will b different
weakness of using repeated measures
ppts are more likely to work out the aim
weakness of using matched pairs
time consuming and expensive and some participants variables may differ.
How to deal with the limitations of independent measures
random allocation ppts to conditions.
How to deal with the limitations of repeated measures
counterbalancing deceives ppts to stop them guessing the purpose
How to deal with the limitations of matched pairs
match ppts on as many variables as possible
