What are the characteristics of lab experiments?
The IV has been deliberately manipulated by the experimenter
An artificial environment, often using artificial stimuli
High levels of control over any extraneous variables
What are two strengths of lab experiments?
High control over variables- reduces the chance of them becoming confounding variables
Easy to replicate- due to high levels of control and standardisation, it is possible to discover if the results are reliable.
What are two disadvantages of lab experiments?
Problem of demand characteristics- the participants might try to guess the aim of the research and produce behaviours/responses which they ‘think’ the research is looking for.
Issue of low ecological validity- participants may not act or respond in the same way they would in a real life environment/to real life ‘stimuli’.
What are the characteristics of field experiments?
The IV has been deliberately manipulated by the experimenter
They typically take place in the natural environment of the participants
There is some control over extraneous variables
What are two advantages of field experiments?
Less demand characteristics
Improved ecological validity- their behavior is more likely to be natural
What are two disadvantages of field experiments?
Harder to replicate
Less control over extraneous variables- more difficult to establish a cause and effect relationship
What are ways of controlling extraneous variables?
Conduct in a natural environment
Use a single/double-blind condition
What are the characteristics of natural experiments?
The IV has not been deliberately manipulated by the experimenter
There is very little control over EVs
It takes advantage of natural settings,situations or behaviours
What are two strengths of natural experiments?
Improved ecological validity- participants behaviour is more natural of how they behave normally
Very few demand characteristics- participants may be unaware they are taking part in research
What are two limitations of natural experiments?
Causal conclusions not possible- very involvement from the researcher. This means extraneous variables are not controlled.
Very hard to replicate
What are three characteristics of quasi experiments?
The IV has not deliberately manipulated by the experimenter, IV is based on an existing difference between people.
The DV may be naturally occurring or measured by the experimenter
They can take place in more natural or controlled environments
What are two strengths of quasi experiments?
Higher ecological validity- if its in a naturalistic environment then the participants behaviour is more natural of how they behave normally
Enables research- to compare different groups of people
What are two limitations of the quasi experiment
Casual conclusions not possible- other variables relating to the participant may be having the effect.
Very hard to replicate- there is usually less standardisation
What is an independent measure design?
Different participants are used in each condition
What are the three experimental designs?
Independent, repeatable and matched measure design
What is the repeatable measure design?
The same participants complete each condition
What is the matched measure design?
Different participants are used in each condition, but participants are matched on any important characteristics which way affect the results
What is a strength and limitation of independent measure designs?
Strength- Demand characteristics less likely
Limitation- participant variables
What is a strength and limitations of repeated measures design?
Strength- fewer participants needed
Limitations- order effects (fatigue)
What is a strength and limitation of matched pairs design?
Strength- Fewer participant variables
Limitation- more participants needed
What are two ways to control experimental design flaws?
Order effects- counterbalancing(varying the order of conditions)
Participant variables- control group(not in any condition)
What are aims?
They are a general statement outlining what the research intends to investigate.
What are extraneous variables?
Any variable which can affect the results if it is not controlled;
Participant variables- factors regarding the people in the study
Situational variables- the experimental setting and task
What is a directional hypotheses?
The specific direction of the difference expected to be seen between the two conditions
