Types Of Experiment Flashcards
Lab experiment
An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV, whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables
Field experiment
An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
Natural experiment
An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on the DV
Quasi experiment
A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients.
The IV has not been determined by anyone - the ‘variables’ simply exist, such as being old or young.
Strength of lab experiment
Easily replicated
High levels of control over extraneous variables
Reliably establish cause and effect
Limitations of lab experiments
Lacks ecological validity due to artificial setting
Participants are likely to know they’re taking part which results in demand characteristics
Strengths of field experiment
Easier to generalise findings
Participants in natural environment, high ecological validity
IV can be manipulated
Limitations of field experiment
Time consuming
Confounding environmental variables , less reliably establish cause and effects
Natural experiment strengths
High external validity
Allows research to take place in situation that may otherwise not be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons
Limitations of natural experiment s
May happen rarely, reducing opportunity for research
Hard to control variables
Quasi experiments limitations
Confounding environmental variables - less reliable cause and effect
Have to wait for IV to occur naturally or for PP with characteristics of IV to be available
Quasi experiment strengths
Participants in natural environments, High ecological validity
More ethical as participants aren’t manipulated as much
