Types Of Experiment

Question 1

what are the types of experiment?

Answer 1

lab, field, natural and quasi

Question 2

what is a lab experiment?

Answer 2

• takes place in a controlled, artificial environment
• the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV and control over EV

Question 3

what is a field experiment?

Answer 3

• takes place in a natural setting
• researcher manipulates the IV and records its effects on the DV

Question 4

what is a natural experiment?

Answer 4

• researcher has no control over IV
• takes place in a natural environment and the IV is natural
• DV may also be naturally occuring

Question 5

what is a quasi experiment?

Answer 5

• IV is based on existing difference (e.g people’s age)
• IV is not manipulated and simply exists
• DV may be naturally occurring

Question 6

what are the strengths of lab experiments?

Answer 6

• high control over confounding and extraneous variables v= researcher can ensure any effect on DV is due to manipulation of IV
• high internal validity (more certain demonstrating cause and effect)
• replication can happen due to high levels of control

Question 7

why is replication important?

Answer 7

check the results of any study to see whether findings were just one off

Question 8

what are the limitations of lab experiments?

Answer 8

• lack generalisabilty = artificial env so pts may behave in unusual ways , so can’t be generalised beyond research setting (low external validity)
• demand characteristics
• tasks may not represent everyday experience = low mundane realism

Question 9

what are strengths of field experiments?

Answer 9

• higher mundane realism than lab = more natural
• may produce behaviour more valid and authentic
• high external validity = ppts are unaware they are being studied

Question 10

what are the limitations of field experiments?

Answer 10

• loss of control of CVs and EVs due to increased realism
• cause and effect between IV and DV is harder to establish
• ethical Issues = ppts are unaware so unable to give consent

Question 11

what are strengths of natural experiments?

Answer 11

• high external validity
• provide opportunities for research

Question 12

what are the limitations of natural experiments?

Answer 12

• naturally occurring event may only happen very rarely , reducing opportunities or research
• lack of control over CVs and EVs

Question 13

what are the strengths of quasi experiments?

Answer 13

• can be replicated

Question 14

what are the weaknesses of quasi experiments?