type of experiments

Question 1

describe the features of a lab experiment ?

Answer 1

• experiment conducted in a highly controlled environment
• not always a labarotory

Question 2

Describe the features of a field experiment ?

Answer 2

• when researcher goes to the ps usual environment
• the independant variables are manipulated in a natural, more everyday setting.

Question 3

describe the features of a natural experiment ?

Answer 3

• researchers do not manipulate the independant variable
• they examine the effect on an existing IV on the DV
• IV is naturally occuring like an earthquake or natural disaster

Question 4

describe the features of a Quasi experiment ?

Answer 4

• they contain a naturally occurring IV but one which already exists and is a difference between people
• e.g gender or age

Question 5

strengths of lab experiment

Answer 5

• high control over confounding and extraneous variables
• more certain on cause and effect
• replication is more possible because of high level of control
• ensures new extraneous variables are not included

Question 6

limitations of lab experiment

Answer 6

• may lack generalisability
• lab environment is artificial so ps may behave in an unusual way
• behaviour cannot be generalised beyond lab setting
• existence of demand characteristics
• low mundane realism

Question 7

strengths of field experiments

Answer 7

• higher mundane realism than lab
• may produce behaviour that is more valid and authentic due to natural setting
• high ecological validity

Question 8

limitations of field experiment

Answer 8

• loss of control of confounding variables and extraneous variables
• so cause and effect between IV and DV is difficult to establish
• precise replication is not possible
• ethical issues as ps usually do not consent

Question 9

strengths of natural experiment

Answer 9

• high external / ecological validity
  as it involves study of the real world
• provides opportunities for research that could not be taken under ethical regulations

Question 10

limitations of natural experiment

Answer 10

• happens very rarely so less opportunities for research
• ps may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions

Question 11

strengths of Quasi experiment

Answer 11

• under controlled conditions
• high control over confounding and extraneous variables

Question 12

Limitations of Quasi experiment

Answer 12

• cannot randomly allocate ps to conditions so there can be confounding variables
• IV is not deliberately changed by the researcher so IV may not have caused the change