Experimental Method

• Lab experiments are carried out in artificial environments under strictly controlled conditions.
• Lab experiments manipulate an IV in order to see the effect on the DV.
• The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured.
• Lab experiments allow for control over variables, provide a controlled environment for studying cause and effect relationships, and allow for replication of the study to test the reliability of the findings.
• Lab experiments use controlled conditions and standardised procedures to ensure the procedure can be replicated easily.
• Researchers ensure the reliability of their findings in lab experiments by using standardised procedures, controlling variables, and conducting repeated trials.
• The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in a lab experiment.
• Variables in lab experiments are used to measure, manipulate, or control different factors or conditions that can affect the outcome of the experiment.
• The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome or response that is measured or observed.
• Some ways researchers control variables in lab experiments include randomisation, using control groups, and manipulating independent variables.
• Controlling variables in an experiment is important because it allows for the isolation of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, ensuring that any observed changes are a result of the manipulated variable and not other factors.
• Independent variables in lab experiments are manipulated to see if there is any change or effect on the outcome of the results.
• Field experiments are conducted in natural environments, where the researcher has control over the variables.
• Field experiments manipulate an independent variable in a natural setting in order to see the effect on the dependent variable.
• A natural experiment is conducted in a natural setting where researchers have little if any control over the variables.
• The role of the researcher in field and natural experiments is to design and conduct the study, collect data in real-world settings, and analyse the findings.
• A natural experiment differs from other types of experiments in that it takes advantage of natural events or circumstances to create treatment and control groups, rather than artificially manipulating variables.
• A quasi experiment takes a naturally occurring independent variable to see the effect on the dependent variable.
• In a quasi experiment researchers often take advantage of situations that are naturally occurring.
• Natural experiments have the advantage of occurring in real-world settings, allowing researchers to study phenomena that would be unethical or impractical to manipulate artificially.
• Natural experiments can provide more valid and generalisable results compared to other types of experiments.
• Limitations of using quasi experiments in research includes poor control over variables, potential for confounding factors, and difficulty in establishing causality.
• Lab experiments have high reliability as the can be replicated easily.
• The reliability of lab experiments depends on factors such as the control of variables, the accuracy of measurements, and the repeatability of results.
• Lab experiments that collect quantitative data are more reliable, as the findings can be compared more easily.
• Experiments are designed to study cause and effect.
• When experiments are conducted in natural settings, the ecological validity increases.
• Lab experiments may be at risk of demand characteristics, which decreases the validity of the findings.
• Lab experiments control the variables in order to see the cause and effect, this ensures high internal validity of the findings.