RM L1: Operational definitions + controlling variables -

Question 1

What is a labratory experiment?

Lesson 1

Answer 1

Takes place in a situation / environment that is artificial to participants in the study

Question 2

What are the 6 strengths of labratory experiment?

Lesson 1

Answer 2

1. High levels of standardisation so they can be replicated to test validity
2. High levels of control so researchers can be more confident the IV is affecting the DV
3. High internal validity
4. Easy to gain informed consent
5. Deception dealt with a debrief
6. Ppt know they are in a study so they can withdraw

Question 3

What are the 4 weaknesses of lab experiments?

Lesson 1

Answer 3

1. As in artificial setting they lack ecological validity
2. Ppts take part in tasks that are nothing like real life they lack mundane realisim
3. Ppts usually know they are in an experiment and may act with demand charecteristics
4. Low external validity

Question 4

What is a field experiment?

Answer 4

Experiments that take place in a participant’s own natural environment rather than an artificial setting
The researcher attempts to control other variables that could affect the DV

Question 5

What are the 3 strengths of field experiments?

Lesson 1

Answer 5

1. As it is a field experiment it takes place in a realistic setting means high ecological validity
2. Ppts do not know they are in a study so there will be few / no demand charecterisitics
3. High external validity

Question 6

What are the 6 weaknesses of field experiments?

Lesson 1

Answer 6

1. Situational variables can be difficult to control
2. Sometimes may be unaware if IV is affecting DV or an uncontrolled variable
3. Ppts do not know they are taking part in study and no informed consent and we are using deception on them
4. Hard to replicate
5. Debriefing is hard
6. Right to withdraw is invalid

Question 7

What is the independent variable?

Lesson 1

Answer 7

Variable that we change

Split into 2 groups

Group 1 - Control - not tested on what’s being changed used as comparison

Group 2 - Experimental - tested on what is being changed

Question 8

What is the dependent variable?

Lesson 1

Answer 8

Variable that we measure

Want to see if IV is affecting the DV

Participant variables (IQ, prejudice, traits) may affect the DV

Question 9

What is operationalisation?

Lesson 1

Answer 9

• Process of turning concepts into measurable observations
• outlining a procedure that reflects the behaviour that is being observed
• Describing/giving detail about the concept as it is different for people
  How do you measure aggression?
  One person says yelling another says pushing someone