Types of Experiments - Paper 2

Question 1

Laboratory Experiment

Answer 1

• Done with a high degree of control.
  Strengths:
• All extraneous and confounding variables have been identified and controlled.
• High internal validity due to Them being able to be sure that the effects on the DV is due to the manipulation of the IV.
• They are highly repeatable.
  Limitations:
• Lack generalisability as they may seem to artificial.
• Low external validity.
• Standardisation may cause demand characteristics.

Question 2

Field Experiment

Answer 2

• The IV is manipulated in a natural, more everyday situation.
  Strengths:
• Behaviour will be more authentic and valid.
• High external validity.
  Limitations:
• Less control over variables.
• Replication is more difficult.
• There also may be ethical issues with consent.

Question 3

Natural Experiment

Answer 3

• The researchers uses a pre-existing IV that they have no control over (like a natural disaster).
  Strengths:
• Provides opportunities to investigate things that may otherwise be unethical or practical.
• High external validity.
  Limitations:
• Highly unrepeatable.
• Participants cannot be randomly allocated to experimental conditions.

Question 4

Quasi Experiments

Answer 4

• An IV that is based on existing human characteristics (age / gender).
  Strengths:
• Share some strengths with lab experiments.
  Limitations:
• There may be confounding variables due to being unable to randomly allocate participants.