Types of experiments Flashcards
What are laboratory experiments?
An experiment that is carried out in a controlled environment where the independent variable is manipulated and extraneous variables are controlled with cause-and-effect relationships being established.
What are the strengths of laboratory experiments?
High level of control pf extraneous variables, high degree of replicability, causes and effect relationships can be uncovered.
What are the limitations of laboratory experiments?
Reduced ecological validity, increased risk of investigator effects and demand characteristics, participants are often required to behave in ways that are artificial.
What is a field experiment?
An experiment that takes place outside a laboratory environment, where the independent variable is manipulated and causes-and-effect relationship can be inferred.
What are the strengths of field experiments?
Cause-and-effect relationships can be uncovered, high levels of ecological validity than a true laboratory experiment, reduction in demand characteristics.
What are the limitations of field experiments?
Reduced control over extraneous variables, often more time consuming, ethical issues if participants do not know that they are experimented upon.
What is a natural and quasi-experiments?
Natural experiments: An experiment where naturally occurring changes in independent variables are observed.
Quasi-experiments: An experiment where participants cannot be randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.
What are the strengths of natural and quasi-experiments?
Useful where it would be impractical or impossible to manipulate variables, high levels of ecological validity.
What are the limitations of natural and quasi-experiments?
Not always possible to clearly identify cause-and-effect relationships.
