Types of experiments Flashcards
Define Laboratory experiment.
An experiment carried out in a highly controlled environment.
Give an example of where Lab experiments may occur?
In actual labs, universities/classrooms. In an unnatural setting.
What are strengths of Lab experiments?
Easier to assume IV truly affected DV due to high control
High standardisation and control = more reliable..
What are some weaknesses of Lab experiments?
Artificial setting may effect results, lacks ecological validity.
Researcher is often present which may lead to demand characteristics.
Define Field experiment.
An experiment where the setting is natural regarding the behaviours intended to be observed, but there is still a clear IV and DV.
Give an example of where Field experiments may occur.
Where participants feel most comfortable. e.g a real life setting, on the train, in a workplace etc.
What are some strengths of Field experiments?
High in ecological validity.
Low in demand characteristics, some participants may not know they are being experimented on.
What are some weaknesses of Field experiments?
Researchers have less control over extraneous variables, reducing confidence over links between IV and DV.
More difficult to replicate/ less reliability.
Define Quasi experiment.
An experiment where the IV is not directly manipulated as it naturally occurring or unethical to manipulate within the participants.
Give an example of an IV that could be used in a Quasi experiment.
Eye colour, height, mental health, autism etc.
What are the strengths of a Quasi experiment?
Higher external validity,
Less expensive to manipulate IV if it is naturally occurring.
Useful for conducting ethical and
What are the weaknesses of a Quasi experiment?
It serves less internal validity than true experiments.
