Types Of Experimental Methods Flashcards
What is an experiment
Studies in which the researchers investigate a cause and effect relationship by having one or more independent variables and measuring the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable
Laboratory experiments
An experiment that takes place in a controlled artificial environment within which the researcher manipulates the over and records the effect on the dv,whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables
Strength of laboratory experiments
-High control over extraneous variables =researchers can establish a cause and effect relationship between the iv and dv.as the effect on the dv is likely to be the result of manipulation on the iv =the experiment has high internal validity
Replication is more possible than other type of experiment because of the high levels of control.=new extraneous variables are not introduced when repeating the experiment
Limitation of laboratory experiments
Lacks generalisability.-as the environment is artificial is does not mirror everyday situations =in an unfamiliar contexts participants may behave in m’unusual ways=experiment has low ecological validity
High demand characteristics=participants may take cues d rt on the research situation and may reveal the purpose of the investigation =this as a result may cause participants to change their behaviour
What is a field experiment
An experiment where the researcher manipulated an IV in a natural everyday life setting and records the effect on the DV
Strength of field experiment
Higher ecological validity-= participants are more likely to show their authentic behaviour as they are in their natural everyday setting=participants are unaware that they are being studied =behaviour is being altered = findings can be generalised
Limitation of field experiment
Low internal validity -as there’s increases realism researchers have a loss of control over extraneous variables =researchers may find it difficult to establish a cause and effect relationship between the iv and dv as there are other factors affecting behaviour
What is a quasi experiment
An study that has IV based on existing personal characteristics between people (age gender)
Strength of quasi experiment
Only way to study the effect of personal characteristics on behaviour
Limitation of quasi experiment
Participants can’t be randomly allocated to groups=uncontrolled participants variables may act as confounding variables =low internal validity=harder to establish cause effect
Natural experiment
An experiment where the iv is an event that has already taken place and cannot be manipulated
(Used in cases where it wouldn’t be practical or ethical to manipulate the iv
Strengths of natural experiment
It enables researchers to study iv’s that would be unethical or impractical to investigate in a laboratory or field experiment
Limitation of natural experiment
Researcher have a lack of control over extraneous variables = difficult to establish a cause and effect relationship between the iv and dv as there may be other confounding variables affect the dv=low internal validity
