types of experiment

Question 1

experimental method

Answer 1

all experiments involve a change in an independent variable, with the researcher recording or measuring the subsequent effects on the dependent variable. However the IV changes, and under what circumstances varies from one type of experiment to another

Question 2

laboratory experiment

Answer 2

this takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effects of the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables

Question 3

field experiment

Answer 3

this takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effects on the DV

Question 4

natural experiment

Answer 4

this is where the researcher makes use of a pre-existing IV, this is called natural as the variable would change even if the researcher wasn’t interested, the researcher only records the effect on the DV

Question 5

quasi experiment

Answer 5

this experiment is based on an existing difference between people, for instance age and gender, no one has manipulated this variable, it simply exists, the researcher only records the effect on the DV. Quasi experiments are often carried out under controlled conditions

Question 6

IV is manipulated and environment is controlled

Answer 6

lab

Question 7

IV is manipulated and environment is not controlled

Answer 7

field

Question 8

IV occurs naturally and environment is controlled

Answer 8

quasi

Question 9

IV occurs naturally and environment is not controlled

Answer 9

natural

Question 10

laboratory experiment strengths

Answer 10

high internal validity - high control over extraneous variables

reduced ethical issues as participants generally receive a brief about the experiment, give consent and have the right to withdraw

Question 11

laboratory experiments limitations

Answer 11

low ecological validity due to artificial environment - participants could behave unnaturally - tasks often fail to represent real-life experiences

increased risk of demand characteristics as participants aware they are part of an experiment

Question 12

field experiment strengths

Answer 12

high ecological validity as environment is more natural so the behaviour produced is more authentic

reduced risk of demand characteristics as they are usually unaware they are being studied

Question 13

field experiments limitations

Answer 13

low internal validity - loss of control over extraneous variables, this means the IV may not be the only thing affecting the DV

ethical issues arise as participants cannot give consent, or be given the right to withdraw from an experiment they are unaware they are a part of

Question 14

natural experiment strengths

Answer 14

provide opportunities for research that may be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons

high ecological validity as they involve the study of real-life issues and problems as they happen

Question 15

natural experiment limitations

Answer 15

hard to generalise the results of these experiments as the natural occurring event may only happen very rarely

confounding participant variables occur as you can’t randomly allocate participants to conditions, so less sure if the IV affects the DV

Question 16

quasi experiment stengths

Answer 16

high control over situational variables as this experiment is often carried out under controlled conditions

reduced ethical issues as participants generally receive a brief about the experiment, give consent and have the right to withdraw

Question 17

quasi experiments limitations

Answer 17

confounding participant variables occur as can’t randomly allocate participants to conditions, so less sure IV affects the DV