types of experiments

Question 1

what is a lab experiment

Answer 1

an experiment that takes place
in a controlled environment. IV is manipulated and the effects on the DV are measured
strict control of extraneous variables

Question 2

what is a field experiment

Answer 2

takes place in a natural setting where the researcher manipulates the IV and record the effects on the DV

Question 3

what is a natural experiment

Answer 3

• change in the IV would have happened even if the researcher had not been there
• researcher records the effects on a DV they have decided on

Question 4

what is a quasi experiment

Answer 4

• IV has not been determined by anyone
• the variable simply exist

Question 5

evaluation of lab study

Answer 5

1. high control over confounding variables and extraneous variables
   - can ensure that any effect on the DV is due to manipulation if the IV
2. replication is possible due to high levels of control
   - can ensure validity
3. may lack generality
   - artificial task and stimulus
   - low external validity as behaviour cannot be generalised to real life
   - lacks mundane realism as tasks may not represent everyday experiences

Question 6

evaluation of field experiment

Answer 6

1. high mundane realism
   - environment is natural
   - behaviour is more valid and authentic
2. loss of control over confounding and extraneous variables
   - cause and effect may be more difficult to establish
   - ethical issues

Question 7

evaluation of natural experiments

Answer 7

1. opportunity to research areas that may not be available due to practical or ethical issues
   - have high external validity as they involve the study of real world issues
2. opportunity for research are rare so limits the scope of generalisation
   - participants may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions

Question 8

evaluation of quasi experiment

Answer 8

1. carried out in controlled settings
2. may have confounding variables
   - cannot claim that the IV has caused observed change