Types Of Experiments Flashcards
What happens in a field experiment
Independent Variable IS manipulated
It takes place in a natural environment
What happens in a natural experiment?
Independent variable is NOT manipulated (any changes are not planned)
Can be natural or controlled experiment
What happens in a lab experiment?
In a controlled artificial environment
Independent variable IS manipulated
Participants are randomly assigned to conditions
What happens in a Quasi experiment?
Independent variable is NOT manipulated
Based on existing differences
Planned IV on a naturally occurring difference (e.g. age)
Can be natural or controlled setting
Strengths of field experiments
Higher mundane realism (environment is more natural)
Weakness of field experiment
Ethical issues (consent is sometimes impossible) Loss of control of extraneous variables
Strengths of a quasi experiment
Higher control over extraneous variables
Replication is easier
Weakness of a quasi experiment
There may be confounding variables
Strengths of a lab experiment
Higher control over extraneous variables
Replication is easier
Weaknesses of a lab experiment
Not a natural environment
Lacks generalisability
Strengths of a natural experiment
Provides opportunities for research
High external validity
Weaknesses of natural experiments
Naturally occurring events may only happen rarely, reducing opportunities for research
