Types Of Experiment Flashcards
What do all experiments involve
A change in an IV with the researcher recording the subsequent effects on the DV
What are laboratory experiments
Experiment that takes place in a controlled environ within which researcher manipulated IV and records effect on DV while maintaining strict control of EVs
Strengths of lab experiments
-high control over EVs=more certain that change in IV caused change in DV (cause and effect)
-replication more possible due to high level of control
Limitations of lab experiments
-environ artificial=lack generalisability to everyday life(low external validity)
-pps usually aware being tested, cause demand characteristics
-artificial tasks=low mundane realism
What are field experiments
Experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates IV and records effect on DV
Strengths of field experiments
-higher mundane realism-environ like everyday life=generalisable
-reduced demand characteristics if pps unaware being studied
Limitations of field experiments
-loss of control of EVs means cause and effect between IV and DV more difficult to establish
-precise replication often not possible
-ethical issues if pps unaware being studied cannot give consent
What are natural experiments
Experiment where the change in IV is not brought about by researcher but would have happened regardless, researcher records effect on DV
Strengths of natural experiments
-opp for research not otherwise undertaken for practical/ethical reasons
-high external validity as involve the study of real life issues
Limitations of natural experiments
-event may only happen rarely=cannot generalise
-pps not randomly allocated to conditions, less sure whether change in IV caused change in DV
What is a quasi experiment
Experiment with an IV based on an existing difference between people(not manipulated by researcher)
Strength of quasi experiments
Often carried out under controlled conditions=control over EVs so better able to establish cause and effect relationship between IV and DV
Limitation of quasi experiments
Cannot randomly allocate pps to conditions=may be confounding variables
