Types of Experiment Flashcards
The 4 types of experiments
Lab
Field
Natural
Quasi
Lab experiments
Experiments conducted in a special environment where extraneous variables can be fully controlled.
The experimenter deliberately manipulates the IV.
What are participants aware of in a lab experiment
That they are taking part in an experiment, but may not know the true aims of the study.
Strengths of a lab experiment
High control of EVs
High reliability
Easy to be replicated
Weakness of a lab experiment
Lack of mundane realism- conducted in an artificial environment so participants may act differently.
Field experiments
Experiments conducted in a more natural and everyday environment. The independent variable is deliberately manipulated by the experimenter.
Are participants aware they are taking part in a field experiment?
Participants are often not aware.
Strengths of field experiments
Higher mundane realism- in a natural environment
Limits participants effect, no aware they are taking part in an experiment.
Weakness of field experiments
May be difficult to replicate
Less control of the EVs
Natural experiments
A study which is conducted in an everyday environment. Experimenter has no control over the IV.
Are participants aware they are taking part in a natural experiment?
Most commonly no.
Strengths of natural experiments
Increased mundane realism
Can be done in unethical situations e.g adoption
Can study real life problems
Increased ecological validity
Weaknesses of natural experiments
Harder to prove cause and effect
Harder to control the EVs
Harder to replicate
Difficult to test for reliability
Quasi experiment
An almost experiment. It lacks the key elements of an experiment.
Strengths of a Quasi experiment
Can be used in unethical situations
Increased realism and ecological validity
