types of experiment Flashcards
laboratory experiment
an experiment that takes place in a controlled environment
field experiment
takes place in a natural setting
- the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
natural experiment
an experiment where the change in the IV is not bought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher has not been there
quasi - experiment
a study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV has not been determined by anyone.
laboratory experiments - strength
high control over confounding and extraneous variables - cause and effect on the internal validity
replication - high level of control - vital to check the results of any study to see whether the finding is valid
ensures extraneous variables to not be introduced
laboratory experiment - limitations
lack generalisability - environment may be artificial
- participants may behave in unusual ways
- may not represent everyday experience
How is the IV manipulated field experiment ?
a natural, more everyday setting
field experiments - strengths
high ecological validity
field experiments - limitations
less control on extraneous variables so low internal validity
is there ethical issues in field experiments ?
yes - participants unaware they are studied they cannot consent to being and might constitute an invasion of privacy
what does the researcher measure in natural experiments ?
the effect of an IV on a DV - researcher has no control over the IV and cannot change it
natural experiments - strengths
enables to study the IV
high external validity - involves in real world issues and problems
natural experiments - limitations
less control on extraneous variables
what is the IV based on in quasi experiments ?
an existing difference between people - not manipulated this variable and IV cannot be changed
quasi experiments - strengths and limitations
enable to study the independent variable
ppt may be confounding variables so low internal validity
