experiments

• What does a researcher manipulate in an experiment?

  An independent variable
• What does a researcher measure in an experiment?

  A dependent variable
• What is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables in an experiment?

  To establish cause and effect
• What are the features of a lab experiment?

  • Takes place in a controlled environment
  • Easier to replicate
  • Researcher manipulates the independent variable
  • Records the effect on the dependent variable
  • Maintains strict control of extraneous variables
• What is a limitation of lab experiments?

  Participants may act unnaturally
• What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments?


  Strengths:

  • Increases ecological validity
  • Participants act naturally

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Less reliable and replicable
  • Inconsistent results
• What characterizes a natural experiment?

  • Researcher does not manipulate the independent variable
  • Takes advantage of naturally occurring variables
  • Can be conducted in the field or lab
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  An experiment where the independent variable is a characteristic of a person
• Why can quasi-experiments not identify cause and effect?

  Due to extraneous variables affecting the dependent variable
• What is a potential ethical advantage of quasi-experiments?

  Participants already have the characteristic being studied
• What is a disadvantage of participant variables in experiments?

  They can affect the dependent variable