Experiments

Question 1

Experiments

Answer 1

Purpose: Test a hypothesis in a controlled setting.

Usage in sociology: Rarely used by either positivists or interpretivists.

Types:
-Laboratory experiments: Artificial setting, tightly controlled variables.
-Field experiments: Real-world setting, variables controlled, high validity.

Question 2

Strengths of Experiments

Answer 2

Controlled environment → isolate & manipulate variables.

High reliability and scientific approach.

Allow comparisons with other experiments.

Researcher seen as detached and objective.

Field experiments → more valid info, valued by interpretivists.

Question 3

Weaknesses of Experiments

Answer 3

Hard to isolate a single cause in social issues.

Ethical issues: treating groups differently; potential harm.

Deception: can undermine informed consent.

Often small-scale → unrepresentative.

Artificial conditions → may not apply to real world.

Hawthorne effect may affect results.

Field experiments: can’t control all variables → hard to establish cause & effect

Question 4

Comparative Method

Answer 4

Alternative to experiments when impractical.

Collects data from different societies or groups and compares results.

Retains main principles of experimentation but uses observational/secondary data.