Experimental method

• Types of experiment

  Lab experiment: takes place in a controlled environment where researcher manipulates IV and records effects on DV whilst maintaining control over CV.

  Field experiment: takes place in natural setting where researcher manipulates IV and records effects on DV.

  Natural experiment: change in IV not brought out by researcher, but would've happened anyway, researcher records effect on decided DV.

  Quasi experiment: IV not determined by anyone, 'variables' simply exist, this is not an experiment.
• What is a strength of lab experiments regarding control?

  High control over CV and EV
• What is a strength of lab experiments related to validity?

  High internal validity
• What is a key feature of lab experiments?

  Replication
• What is a limitation of lab experiments regarding generalizability?

  Lacks generalisability
• How does lab experimentation affect external validity?

  Low external validity
• What issue may arise in lab experiments related to participant behavior?

  May give rise to demand characteristics
• What is a limitation of lab experiments regarding realism?

  Low mundane realism
• What is a strength of field experiments related to realism?

  High mundane realism
• What is a strength of field experiments regarding validity?

  High external validity
• What is a limitation of field experiments regarding control?

  Loss of control over CV and EV
• What is a limitation of field experiments regarding replication?

  Replication not possible
• What ethical issues are associated with field experiments?

  Privacy and consent issues
• What is a strength of natural experiments related to opportunities?

  Provide opportunities (e.g., Rutter et al)
• What is a strength of natural experiments regarding validity?

  High external validity
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding generalizability?

  Lacks generalisability
• What issue may arise in natural experiments regarding participant allocation?

  Participants may not be randomly allocated
• How does the Romanian orphan study illustrate a limitation of natural experiments?


  Differences between groups affect DV clarity
• What is a strength of quasi experiments regarding replication?


  Replication is possible
• What is a limitation of quasi experiments regarding participant allocation?


  Can't randomly allocate participants to conditions