Types Of Experiment Flashcards
What is a lab experiment?
An experiment conducted in a highly controlled environment
What is a field experiment?
An experiment carried out in a natural environment. The IV is manipulated but it is done in an environment that is typical to the behaviour being studied
What is a natural experiment?
An experiment carried out in a natural environment however the IV is not manipulated, it is naturally occurring
What is a Quasi experiment?
An experiment where the IV is based on an existing difference
What are the strengths of lab experiments?
Easily replicated due to high levels of control
High control over extraneous and confounding variables so we can be more certain about cause and effect
What are the limitations of lab experiments?
Lack generalizability— it is artificial so there is low external validity
Participants are aware they are being studied so there may be a higher risk of demand characteristics
What are the strengths of field experiments?
Higher mundane realism — may produce more valid and authentic behaviour
Participants may be unaware they are being studied so high external validity
Why are the limitations of field experiments?
Harder to control confounding and extraneous variables so cause and effect are harder to establish
Ethical issues — no consent
What are the strengths of natural experiments?
Provides opportunity for research that normally can’t be done for practical or ethical reasons
High external validity
What are the limitations of natural experiments?
Events happen very rarely
May be done in a lab so lacks realism
May not be randomly allocated
What is a strength of quasi experiments?
Often carried out in controlled conditions so can be replicated
What are the limitations of Quasi experiments?
Cannot randomly allocate participants so may be confounding variables
IV not deliberately changed so therefore can’t claim IV caused observed change
