types of experiment

Question 1

laboratory experiment

Answer 1

Laboratory experiments are conducted under controlled conditions, in which the researcher manipulates the independent variable (IV) to measure the effect on the dependent variable (DV).

Question 2

how are environmental factors controlled

Answer 2

using standardised procedures

Question 3

IV and DV in a lab experiment

Answer 3

The IV is changed by the researcher between the conditions of the experiment. Any change in the DV will be measured while all other variables that could change the DV are kept consistent between conditions

Question 4

lab experiment strengths

Answer 4

-by controlling all variables that may affect the DV, a cause and effect relationship can be established between the changes in the IV and the observed difference in the DV
-High internal validity meaning observed change in DV is due to change in IV
-Have high reliability and replicability due to the use of standardised procedures

Question 5

lab studies weaknesses

Answer 5

-can lack ecological validity, a type of external validity. This means findings from a lab study can’t be generalised to real life settings
-tasks studied in lab studies lack mundane realism(task isn’t realistic) which lowers external validity
-participants are aware they are in a study and may alter their behaviour due to demand characteristics to match the aim

Question 6

field experiments

Answer 6

Field experiments are conducted in a natural setting (e.g. at a sports event or on public transport), as opposed to the artificial environment created in laboratory experiments.

Question 7

IV and DV in a field experiment

Answer 7

IV is still changed by researcher between the conditions of the experiments and the researcher then measures the difference in the DV

Question 8

field experiment strengths

Answer 8

-participants are more likely to behave naturally in their normal environment, making it more likely any behaviour can be applied to other natural settings(ecological validity)
-tasks are more likely to have mundane realism, so will be closer to the type of activities participants normally do
-if participants are unaware they are in an experiment, they will not show demand characteristics