Lab Experiments

Question 1

what is a lab experiment?

Answer 1

• gives researchers full control and conducted in artificial environments
• in experiments the researcher identifies and control variables that affect the outcome
• they manipulate IVs to measure DVs which reveals the cause (IV) and effect (DV)

Question 2

example

Answer 2

Milgram’s Experiment (1963)

Question 3

negative practical factors

Answer 3

(-) they are costly
(-) participants may not want to participate in false environment
(-) complexity of social interactions makes it impossible to identify and control

Question 4

positive practical factors

Answer 4

(+) easy to collect data in a lab experiment

Question 5

ethical factors

Answer 5

(+) without deception so inform consent cant be gained

Question 6

validity factors

Answer 6

(-) doesnt give genuine picture since they wouldnt behave like they do during experiment due to being control

(-) hawthorne effect; changing behaviour if they knew they are in experiment

Question 7

reliability factors

Answer 7

(+) high control means it is easy for different researchers to replicate experiment

Question 8

Representative factors

Answer 8

(-) small scale so its difficult for them to be representative

Question 9

why do positivists prefer lab experiments?

Answer 9

• uses quantitative data to study behaviour because its measurable objective social reality
• experiments are reliable as they can be repeated