RM: Laboratory + Field experiments

• What is the primary purpose of conducting an experiment?


  To study cause and effect relationships.
• What is the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?


  The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.
• How do experiments differ from non-experimental methods?


  Experiments involve manipulation of one variable while keeping others constant.
• What are the two kinds of experiments discussed?

  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field experiments
• What is a key characteristic of a laboratory environment?


  Variables can be easily controlled.
• What does it mean if a study is classified as a field study?


  It is conducted in a natural environment.
• What distinguishes a field experiment from a field study?


  A field experiment involves manipulation of an independent variable by the researcher.
• What is the main characteristic of a laboratory experiment?


  It is conducted in a controlled environment.
• Why might participants alter their behavior in a laboratory experiment?


  Because they are aware they are being recorded.
• What type of materials are often used in laboratory experiments?


  Artificial materials, such as consonant syllables.
• What is a key feature of a field experiment regarding participant awareness?


  Participants are usually not aware they are participating in an experiment.
• How can the weapon focus study (Johnson and Scott, 1976) be classified?


  It reflects natural behavior, making it more like a field experiment.
• What are the key terms defined in the study material?

  • Field experiment: Controlled experiment outside a lab.
  • Laboratory experiment: Controlled experiment in a lab setting.
• What is a strength of laboratory experiments?


  They are high in internal validity due to controlled extraneous variables.
• What is a limitation of laboratory experiments?


  Participants may alter their behavior due to awareness of being studied.
• How can low mundane realism affect laboratory experiments?


  It may not represent everyday experiences, leading to low ecological validity.
• What is a strength of field experiments?


  Participants are less likely to respond to demand characteristics.
• What is a limitation of field experiments?


  It is more difficult to control extraneous variables.
• What ethical issue arises from field experiments?


  Participants may not know they are being studied, making debriefing difficult.
• Why should one not assume that laboratory experiments are low in ecological validity and field experiments are high?


  In some situations, the reverse may be true.
• What is the first question in the "CAN YOU?" section regarding laboratory experiments?


  Briefly explain what is meant by a laboratory experiment.
• What is the second question in the "CAN YOU?" section regarding field experiments?


  Briefly explain what is meant by a field experiment.
• What is the third question in the "CAN YOU?" section regarding laboratory and field experiments?


  Briefly explain differences between laboratory and field experiments.
• What is the fourth question in the "CAN YOU?" section regarding laboratory and field experiments?


  Briefly explain one similarity between laboratory and field experiments.
• What is the first question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?

  Identify the IV and DV.
• What is the second question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?


  Was the task required of participants contrived?
• What is the third question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?


  Was the study conducted in a natural setting?
• What is the fourth question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?


  Was the setting high or low in mundane realism?
• What is the fifth question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?


  Did the participants know they were being studied?
• What is the sixth question in the "APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE" section?


  Were the participants brought into a special situation, or did the experimenter go to them?
• In Study A, what was the independent variable?


  The dress of the female researcher (police uniform, business executive, or beggar).
• In Study A, what was the dependent variable?


  The obedience rates of the participants.
• In Study B, what was the independent variable?


  The type of news (good or bad) played on the radio.
• In Study B, what was the dependent variable?


  The degree of liking for the stranger.
• In Study C, what was the independent variable?


  The type of behavior exhibited by the model (aggressive or non-aggressive).
• In Study C, what was the dependent variable?


  The aggressive behavior of the children towards the Bobo doll.
• In Study D, what was the independent variable?


  The information given about peers' performance (good or poor).
• In Study D, what was the dependent variable?


  The performance of the children on the maths test.
• In Study E, what was the independent variable?


  The lighting levels in the factory.
• In Study F, what was the independent variable?


  The counting interval (3 seconds or 18 seconds).