Lab and Field

• What is the definition of an experiment?

  A research method comparing at least two conditions to see if a change in a variable has an effect on an outcome.
• What is the independent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is measured to observe the effect of changes in the independent variable.
• What are the types of experiments discussed in the lesson?

  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field experiments
  • Natural experiments
  • Quasi-experiments
• What does it mean when we say an experiment has causal relationships?

  It means that changes in the independent variable directly cause changes in the dependent variable.
• What is a key feature of both lab and field experiments?

  Both are true experiments where the researcher manipulates the independent variable.
• How can you determine if an experiment is a lab or field experiment based on participant location?

  If participants would have been in the location of the experiment anyway, it’s probably a field experiment.
• What are some extraneous variables a researcher might consider when designing an experiment?

  Variables that could influence the outcome but are not the focus of the study.
• What does "operationalised" mean in the context of experiments?

  It refers to defining variables in measurable terms for the purpose of the experiment.
• What are the strengths and limitations of laboratory and field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Easy to replicate
  • High degree of control
  • Less chance of demand characteristics

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low ecological validity
  • Demand characteristics
  • Potential ethical issues
• What is ecological validity?


  The extent to which research findings can be generalized to real-life situations.
• What are demand characteristics in an experiment?

  Cues that may inadvertently influence participants' behavior by hinting at the study's purpose.
• What is the purpose of replication in research?

  To verify findings and establish the reliability and generalizability of results.
• What is the process of random allocation in experiments?


  Assigning participants to different conditions by chance to ensure even distribution of pre-existing differences.
• What are the key terms related to lab and field experiments discussed in the lesson?

  • Laboratory Experiments: Controlled environment with manipulated variables.
  • Field Experiments: Natural setting with manipulated variables.
  • True Experiments: Manipulation of IV, random allocation, control of extraneous variables.
• What is the Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis at Tuskegee known for?

  It is a famous unethical experiment related to research ethics.
• What should you do to prepare for lessons on research ethics?

  Read about a famous unethical experiment.