Types of Experiment

• What are the four types of experiments?

  Lab, Quasi, Field, Natural
• What defines a Lab Experiment?

  • Conducted in a controlled environment
  • Researcher manipulates the independent variable
  • Strict control of extraneous variables
• What does a researcher do in a Lab Experiment?

  The researcher manipulates the independent variable
• Why is control of extraneous variables important in Lab Experiments?

  To ensure effects are due to the independent variable
• What are the strengths of Lab Experiments?

  • High control over confounding variables
  • Certainty in cause and effect
  • High internal validity
  • Easier replication
• What is a limitation of Lab Experiments regarding generalisability?

  They may lack generalisability
• How can the lab environment affect participant behavior?

  It may lead to unusual behavior
• What are demand characteristics in Lab Experiments?

  Participants may guess the study's purpose
• What defines a Quasi Experiment?

  • Independent variable is not manipulated
  • Variables simply exist
  • Dependent variable may be naturally occurring
• What is a limitation of Quasi Experiments regarding participant allocation?

  You can’t randomly allocate participants
• Why can't we claim causation in Quasi Experiments?

  The independent variable is not deliberately changed
• What defines a Field Experiment?

  • Conducted in a natural setting
  • Researcher manipulates the independent variable
  • Records effects on the dependent variable
• What is a strength of Field Experiments compared to Lab Experiments?

  Higher realism and natural environment
• What is a limitation of Field Experiments regarding control?

  Lack of control over confounding variables
• What defines a Natural Experiment?

  • Change in independent variable occurs naturally
  • Researcher records effects on the dependent variable
  • Not influenced by the researcher
• What is a strength of Natural Experiments regarding real-world issues?

  They study real-world issues as they happen
• What is a limitation of Natural Experiments regarding frequency?

  They may only happen very rarely
• Why can't participants be randomly allocated in Natural Experiments?

  Independent variable changes naturally
• What is a limitation of Natural Experiments regarding causation?

  Less certainty if the independent variable affected the dependent variable