Types of experiment

Question 1

What is a laboratory experiment?

Answer 1

An experiment carried out in a controlled environment where the IV is manipulated and extraneous variables are controlled with cause-effect relationships being established.

Question 2

What are the 3 key features of a lab experiments?

Answer 2

1) direct manipulation of an independent variable
2) control of extraneous variables
3) randomisation

Question 3

What are the strengths of a lab experiment?

Answer 3

High level of control of extraneous variables
High degree of replicability
Causes and effect relationships can be uncovered

Question 4

What are the limitations of a lab experiment?

Answer 4

Reduced ecological validity
Increased risk of investigator effects and demand characteristics
Artificial behaviour

Question 5

What is a field experiment?

Answer 5

An experiment that takes place outside of a lab experiment

The IV is manipulated and cause and effect relationships can be inferred

Question 6

What are the strengths of a field experiment?

Answer 6

Cause and effect relationships can be uncovered.
Higher levels of ecological validity than a true lab experiment
Reduction in demand characteristic

Question 7

What are the limitations of a field experiment?

Answer 7

Reduced control over extraneous variables
Often more time consuming
Ethical issues if participants do not know they are being experimented upon

Question 8

What is a natural experiment?

Answer 8

An experiment where naturally occurring changes in IV are observed

Question 9

What is a quasi experiment?

Answer 9

An experiment where participants cannot be randomly assigned to experimental and control groups

Question 10

What are strengths of natural and quasi experiments?

Answer 10

Useful where it would be impractical or impossible to manipulate variables
High levels of ecological validity

Question 11

What are the weaknesses of natural and quasi experiments?

Answer 11

Not always possible to clearly identify cause and effect relationships