Types Of Experiment Flashcards
1
Q
Validity
A
Extent to which an observed effect is genuine
Can be internal/external
2
Q
Reliability
A
How consistent the findings from an investigation or measuring device are
3
Q
Mundane realism
A
Degree to which the materials and procedures involved in an experiment are similar to events that occur in the real world
4
Q
Generalisability
A
Extent to which findings obtained from a sample are applicable to a broader population
5
Q
Labatory experiments
A
- conducted under specified controlled conditions
- researcher manipulates the IV to measure the effect on the DV
- minimises the effect of extraneous variables to prevent them from becoming confounding variables
- p’s aware they are taking part due to artificial nature
6
Q
Lab experiments strengths
A
- high control over extraneous variables
- can be easily replicated
7
Q
Field experiments
A
- carried out in natural conditions
- researcher manipulates the IV to measure the effect on DV
- p’s not usually aware they are taking part
8
Q
Field experiment strengths
A
-higher mundane realism (valid/authentic behaviour, high external validity)
9
Q
Field experiment weaknesses
A
- loss of control over extraneous variables due to realism (cause and effect between IV and DV difficult to establish, precise replication not possible)
- ethical problems (unable to consent, invasion of privacy)
10
Q
Natural experiments
A
- researcher doesn’t manipulate the IV and instead examines the effect of an existing IV on the DV
- IV is naturally occurring and behaviour is compared to their own behaviour beforehand or with a control group that haven’t encountered the IV
11
Q
Natural experiment strengths
A
- provides opportunities for research that may not otherwise be undertaken for practice/ethical reasons
- high external validity as studying real life issues
12
Q
Natural experiment weaknesses
A
- naturally occurring events are rare so harder to generalise and replicate
- p’s may not be randomly allocated so cant be sure whether the IV affected the DV
13
Q
Quasi experiments
A
- contains a naturally occurring IV that already exists (gender, age)
- researcher examines the effect of this IV on the DV
14
Q
Quasi experiment strengths
A
- often carried out under lab conditions (replicable, control over confounding variables)
15
Q
Quasi experiment weaknesses
A
- methodological issues (no control over environment or extraneous variables)
- lacks ecological validity an findings can’t always be generalised
