Types Of Experiments Flashcards
What are lab experiments
They are experiments in a controlled environment where EVs and CVs can be regulated
IV is manipulated and DV is recorded
What are positives of lab experiments
EVs and CVs can be controlled- meaning the effects of them on the DV can be minimised
Can be replicated easily-more control means less new EVs will be introduced. Meaning findings can be confirmed
What are negatives of lab experiments
Lack generalisability- artificial so participants know they are being studied leading to unnatural behaviour
Demand characteristics-cues in experimental condition that invite participants to respond a certain way
What are field experiments
They are in a natural setting
Researcher goes to participants
The IV is manipulated and effect on DV is recorded
What are positives of field experiments
Natural environment-more comfort so more natural behaviour so more generalisable to everyday life
Participants unaware of being studied-so more normal behaviour
What are negatives of field experiments
Difficult to control CV/EVs-changes to DV may not be because IV but the EV/CVs
Ethical issues-participants may not have given informed consent
What are natural experiments
Experimenter does not manipulate IV-it for change but because something or someone acts upon the IV.
DV may be naturally occurring or devised by experimenter and observed in field or lab
What are positives of natural experiments
Only practical/ethical option-unethical to manipulate IV so done naturally
Greater external validity-real world issues e.g natural disasters
What are negatives of natural experiments
Rare events-less opportunity for research so less generalising to other situations
Participants not randomly allocated- no control over who is placed in which condition as Iv is pre existing
What are quasi experiments
Iv based on pre existing difference between people e.g age or gender.
DV may be naturally occurring or devised by experiments and measured by lab or field
What are positives of quasi experiments
There is high control-controlled conditions shares strengths of lab
Comparisons made between people-IV is a difference between people
What are negatives of quasi experiments
Participants not randomly allocated-no control over who is placed in which condition
Casual relationships not demonstrated-researcher does not manipulate IV
