Types of experiments

Question 1

What are field experiments

Answer 1

An experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect of the DV

Question 2

What are lab experiments

Answer 2

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV whilst maintaining strict control of extraneous variables

Question 3

What are natural experiments

Answer 3

An experiment where the change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher but would have happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher record the effect on the DV

Question 4

What are quasi experiments

Answer 4

A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients. The IV has not been determined by anyone (the researcher or any other person)- The variables simply exist such as being old or young. Strictly speaking this is not an experiment

Question 5

What are the strengths of laboratory experiments

Answer 5

• Have high control over extraneous variables→The researcher can ensure that any effect on the DV is likely due to the result of manipulation of the IV. Thus we can be more certain about demonstrating cause and effect (high internal validity)
• Replication is more possible than in other types of experiments because of the high level of control. This ensures that new extraneous variables are not introduced when repeating an experiment. Replication is vital to check the results of any study to see whether the finding is valid and not just a one off

Question 6

Limitations of laboratory experiments

Answer 6

• May lack generalisability. The lab environment may be rather artificial and not like everyday life→ In an unfamiliar context participants may behave in unusual ways so their behaviour cannot always be generalised beyond the research settings (low external validity)
• Participants are usually aware they are bing tested in a lab experiment and this may also give rise to behaviour characteristics
• The tasks participants are asked to carry out in a lab experiment may not represent a real life experience. For example, recalling unconnected lists of words as part of a memory experiment (low mundane realism)

Question 7

Strengths of field experiments

Answer 7

• Higher mundane realism than lab experiments because the environment is more natural.
• Field experiments may produce behaviour that is more valid and authentic. This is especially the case as participants may be unaware they are being studied (High external validity

Question 8

Limitations of field experiments

Answer 8

• Loss of control of extraneous variables. →Cause and effect between the IV and the DV in field studies may be much more difficult to establish and precises replication is often not possible
• There are also important ethical issues →If participants are unaware they are being studied they cannot consent to being studied and such research might constitute an invasion of privacy

Question 9

What are the strengths of Natural experiments

Answer 9

• Provide opportunities for research that may not be otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons
• Often have high external validity because the involve the study of real life issues and problems as they happen

Question 10

What are the limitations of natural experimnets

Answer 10

• It rarely happens →reducing the opportunities for research.This may also limit the scope for generalising findings to other similar situations
• Participants may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions →Researchers might be less sure whether the IV affected the DV

Question 11

Strengths and limitations of quasi experiments

Answer 11

*S -Often carried out under controlled conditions and therefore share the strengths of a lab experiment
*L- Like natural experiments you can not randomly allocate participants to conscious and therefore there may be confounding variables