Types of experiment

• What are the different types of experiments discussed in the video?

  Lab, field, natural, and quasi experiments
• Why might terminology in research methods be intimidating for beginners?

  Because they may not know many of the terms and definitions
• What is the recommended approach for watching the research methods videos?

  • Watch once without taking notes
  • Watch again while pausing to write down key ideas
• What is the main principle of a lab experiment regarding variables?

  Only one independent variable changes while all others are controlled
• What is a laboratory experiment?

  A controlled experiment typically set in a lab environment
• In a lab experiment, what is the independent variable?

  The factor that is changed between conditions
• Why is high control in lab experiments beneficial?

  It allows for confident suggestions of cause and effect relationships
• What does high internal validity in lab experiments indicate?

  That the observed effect is real and due to the independent variable
• What is a disadvantage of lab experiments regarding ecological validity?

  Lab conditions may not generalize to real-world environments
• What is meant by mundane realism in lab experiments?

  Tasks used in the experiment may not reflect real-world activities
• What are demand characteristics in lab experiments?

  When participants change their behavior based on what they think is expected
• What is a field experiment?

  An experiment conducted in a natural setting
• What is the main strength of field experiments?

  They have increased external validity due to naturalistic behavior
• How do field experiments address demand characteristics?

  Participants are often unaware they are part of a study
• What is a disadvantage of field experiments regarding control?

  They lack control over extraneous variables
• What is a natural experiment?

  An experiment where the independent variable occurs naturally
• What is a strength of natural experiments?

  They allow research into areas that cannot be ethically manipulated
• Why do natural experiments have high external validity?

  Changes occur naturally in real life
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding cause and effect?

  Researchers have no control over extraneous variables
• What is a quasi experiment?

  An experiment where participants cannot be randomly assigned
• What is a strength of quasi experiments?

  They allow study of factors that cannot be ethically manipulated
• What is a limitation of quasi experiments regarding confounding variables?

  Differences between groups may explain the results
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of lab experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High internal validity
  • High replicability

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Low ecological validity
  • Lack of mundane realism
  • Demand characteristics
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Increased external validity
  • Higher mundane realism
  • Reduced demand characteristics

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of control over extraneous variables
  • Reduced internal validity
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of quasi experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Allows study of existing groups
  • Useful for ethical considerations

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Potential confounding variables
  • Limited control over conditions
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Ethical research into sensitive topics
  • High external validity

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of control over variables
  • Difficult to establish cause and effect
• What resources are available for students studying research methods?

  Psych boost workbook and tutorial videos
• How can patrons support the development of the research methods unit?

  By supporting Psy boost on Patreon
• What is the purpose of the tutorial videos mentioned in the study material?

  To provide worked examples and exam tips
• What is the significance of the Romanian orphan studies mentioned in the video?

  They provide insights into the effects of emotional deprivation on development
• How do the different types of experiments compare in terms of control and validity?

  Lab experiments have high control but low ecological validity, while field experiments have lower control but higher ecological validity
• What factors can influence the choice of experiment type in psychological research?

  Ethical considerations, control over variables, and the nature of the research question