Types of Experiments Flashcards
Lab experiments
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
Lab experiments strengths
+ high control over confounding and extraneous variables
+ Validity
+ More chance of replication
Lab experiments weaknesses
- Lack generalisability
- Artificial
- Low external validity
- Demand characteristics
- Low mundane realism
Field experiments
An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
Field experiments strengths
+ Higher mundane realism
+ Valid and authentic behaviour
+ Higher external validity
Field experiments weaknesses
- Ethical issues
Quasi experiments
A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV has nit been determined by anyone- the variables simply exist, such as being old and young
Quasi experiments strengths
+ Carried out under controlled conditions
+ Can be replicated
Quasi experiments weaknesses
- Can’t randomly allocate participants so there may be confounding variables
Natural experiments
An experiment where the change in the IV isn’t brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on a DV they have decided on
Natural experiments strengths
+ high external validity
+ real world
Natural experiments weaknesses
- limit generalisation
- participants may not be randomly allocated
- less sure if IV affected the DV
- lack realism
- Demand characteristics