Experiments

• Why are experiments rarely used by sociologists?

  Due to their crossover with other social sciences
• What is the purpose of an experiment in sociology?

  To manipulate one factor and observe changes
• In Rosenthal and Jacobson's study, what was manipulated?

  Teachers' impressions of pupils
• What are the two main types of experiments in sociological research?

  Lab experiments and field experiments
• What is a characteristic of lab experiments?

  They take place in a controlled environment
• What is the rationale behind conducting lab experiments?

  To control extraneous variables
• What is the main advantage of field experiments?

  Higher ecological validity
• What is a potential issue with field experiments?

  Less control over extraneous variables
• Why are experiments considered useful in social sciences?

  They establish causal relationships and correlations
• What is a criticism of quantitative data in experiments?

  It can be interpreted subjectively
• What are some practical issues researchers face with experiments?

  Cost and smaller sample sizes
• What is a common sampling method in field experiments?

  Opportunity sampling
• What is a challenge with controlling extraneous variables in field experiments?

  People's past experiences influence reactions
• What is mundane realism in lab experiments?

  Activities lack real-world consequences
• What ethical issue is common in both lab and field experiments?

  Deception of participants
• What is a famous example of deception in research?

  Milgram's research on obedience
• Why is consent an issue in field experiments?

  Participants may alter behavior if aware
• What is a consideration for protection from harm in experiments?

  Potential psychological harm to participants
• What is a theoretical issue with experiments regarding validity?

  Lab behavior may not reflect real life
• What is the Hawthorne effect?

  Behavior changes due to being observed
• What is a limitation of experiments in understanding motivations?

  They don't explain why behaviors occur
• What is a concern regarding objectivity in experiments?

  Subjective decisions on manipulated variables
• What is one of the seminal studies in social psychology?

  Milgram's obedience study
• What notable field experiment examined teacher expectations?

  Rosenthal and Jacobson's study
• What are the advantages of using experiments in sociology?

  • Establish causal relationships
  • High reliability and repeatability
  • Use of quantitative data for objective judgments
• What are the practical issues researchers face when conducting experiments?

  • High costs of materials and lab hire
  • Smaller sample sizes affecting representativeness
  • Reliance on volunteers for participation
• What ethical considerations must researchers address in experiments?

  • Deception of participants
  • Obtaining consent
  • Protection from psychological harm
• What are the theoretical issues related to experiments?

  • Lack of validity in lab settings
  • Hawthorne effect influencing behavior
  • Subjectivity in variable manipulation