Types of Experiment

Question 1

Lab experiments

Answer 1

Experiments conducted in a controlled environment where the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV

Question 2

Field experiments

Answer 2

Experiments that take place in a natural setting where the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV

Question 3

Natural experiments

Answer 3

Experiments where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on a decided DV

Question 4

Quasi-experiments

Answer 4

Studies where the IV has not been determined by anyone, the variables simply exist such as being old of young

Question 5

Evaluation of lab experiments

Answer 5

• High control over confounding and extraneous variables (high internal validity)
• Replication is more achievable (vital to determining validity)
• Low generalisability/ mundane realism (artificial environment)
• Unnatural behaviour (participants know they are being tested)

Question 6

Evaluation of field experiments

Answer 6

• Higher mundane realism and external validity (authentic behaviour)
• Loss of control over confounding and extraneous variables (lower reliability)
• Ethical issues (invasion of privacy)

Question 7

Evaluation of natural experiments

Answer 7

• High external validity (real-time issues)
• Provides opportunities for research
• The naturally occurring event may only happen very rarely
• No random allocation to experimental conditions
• No manipulation of IV (we can’t claim cause and effect)

Question 8

Evaluation of quasi-experiments

Answer 8

• Controlled conditions (reliable)
• No random allocation to conditions (confounding variables)
• No manipulation of IV (we can’t claim cause and effect)