research methods

• What is the main goal of experimental methods in psychology?

  To find a cause and effect relationship between an independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV)
• What are the four types of experiments in psychology?

  1. Laboratory experiment
  2. Field experiment
  3. Natural experiment
  4. Quasi experiment
• What is a laboratory experiment?

  An experiment conducted under specified controlled conditions
• What is a field experiment?

  An experiment carried out in natural conditions
• What characterizes a natural experiment?

  The researcher does not manipulate the independent variable (IV)
• What defines a quasi experiment?

  It contains a naturally occurring independent variable (IV) that already exists
• What is the role of the independent variable (IV) in experiments?

  The IV is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable (DV)
• What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  The DV is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable (IV)
• Why are extraneous variables controlled in laboratory experiments?

  To prevent them from becoming confounding variables that affect the DV
• What is a strength of laboratory experiments?

  They provide a high degree of control over extraneous variables
• What is a limitation of laboratory experiments?

  They can lack external validity due to their artificial nature
• What is the ecological validity of field experiments compared to laboratory experiments?

  Field experiments often have a higher level of ecological validity
• What ethical issue is associated with field experiments?

  Participants may not give informed consent
• What is a strength of natural experiments?

  They provide unique insights into real-life situations
• What is a limitation of natural experiments?

  They have no control over extraneous variables
• What is a defining feature of quasi experiments?

  The IV is a difference between people, such as gender or age
• What is a limitation of quasi experiments regarding participant allocation?

  Participants cannot be randomly allocated to research conditions
• What methodological issues are associated with quasi experiments?

  There is no control over the environment and extraneous variables
• Compare the ecological validity and control of extraneous variables in different experimental methods.

  • Laboratory experiments: Low ecological validity, high control
  • Field experiments: High ecological validity, low control
  • Natural experiments: High ecological validity, low control
  • Quasi experiments: Varies (low/high) depending on the setting
• What is meant by the term 'quasi experiment'?

  A quasi experiment involves a naturally occurring independent variable that is a difference between people
• What is one difference between a laboratory and a field experiment?

  A laboratory experiment is conducted in controlled conditions, while a field experiment is in natural conditions
• What is the significance of the order of information presented in Dr. Helpful's experiment?

  The order affects participants' perceptions of Ms. B's competence
• What were the two groups in Dr. Helpful's experiment?

  Group 1 received strengths followed by weaknesses, and Group 2 received weaknesses followed by strengths
• What was measured in Dr. Helpful's experiment?

  The number of participants who thought Ms. B was competent
• What is the significance of the term 'demand characteristics' in laboratory experiments?


  Participants may change their behavior because they know they are being studied
• Why is it important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis in field experiments?


  To ensure the perceived outcomes outweigh any personal costs to participants
• What is the role of a control group in natural experiments?


  To compare the behavior of those affected by the IV with those not affected
• What is a confounding variable?


  A variable that can affect the DV and distort the findings
• Why must researchers draw cause and effect conclusions with caution in natural experiments?


  Because extraneous variables may have influenced the results
• What is the importance of ecological validity in psychological research?

  It determines how well findings can be generalized to real-life situations
• How do quasi experiments contribute to psychological research?


  They allow researchers to compare different types of people ethically
• What is the impact of conducting quasi experiments in laboratory settings?

  They may lack ecological validity due to controlled conditions
• What is the significance of the comparison of experimental methods table?

  It summarizes the ecological validity, control of extraneous variables, and replicability of each method
• Why is it important to evaluate different experimental methods?

  To understand their strengths and weaknesses in research design
• What is the role of the independent variable in quasi experiments?

  The IV is a naturally occurring difference between participants
• How does the setting of a quasi experiment affect its validity?

  The setting can influence the ecological validity and control of extraneous variables
• What is the significance of the order of information in Dr. Helpful's experiment?

  The order influences participants' judgments about Ms. B's competence
• What is the purpose of the control group in Dr. Helpful's experiment?

  To compare the responses of participants who received different information orders
• What is the importance of random allocation in experiments?

  It helps to eliminate bias in assigning participants to conditions
• What is the significance of informed consent in psychological research?

  It ensures participants are aware of their involvement and can agree to participate