Experimental methods

Question 1

Characteristics: Laboratory experiment (3)

Answer 1

• takes place in lab (artificial environment)
• researcher manipulates IV and controls all other variables (to avoid confounding variables
• controlled environment and standardized procedures

Question 2

Strengths: Laboratory experiment (3)

Answer 2

• can establish cause-effect
• variable control and accuracy of measurements = objectivity
• easy to replicate = increase reliability

Question 3

Limitations: Laboratory experiment (3)

Answer 3

• artificiality = decrease ecological validity
• results may be biased because of demand characteristics
• deception sometimes necessary (ethics)

Question 4

Characteristics: Field experiment (3)

Answer 4

• takes place in natural environment
• impossible to obtain total control = confounding variables
• researcher manipulates IV

Question 5

Strengths: Field experiment (2)

Answer 5

• has more ecological validity than lab exp because behaviour occurs in a natural environment
• fewer demand characteristics (esp if participants do not know they are being studied)

Question 6

Limitations: Field experiment (4)

Answer 6

• risk of bias from confounding variables because there is less control
• nearly impossible to replicate
• more difficult to record data accurately
• possible ethical issues: informed consent, invasion of privacy

Question 7

Characteristics: Natural experiment (2)

Answer 7

• the IV is naturally occurring
• researcher does not manipulate the variables byt records possible effects of a variable (IV) on another (the dependent variable DV)

Question 8

Strengths: Natural experiment (2)

Answer 8

• natural behaviour, natural environment = ecological validity high
• little bias from demand characteristics esp if participants do not know they are being studied

Question 9

Limitations: Natural experiment (3)

Answer 9

• impossible to establish cause-effect relationship
• impossible to replicate exactly
• possible ethical issues: consent, deception, invasion of privacy