Experimental methods

• What does the experimental method involve?

  Manipulation of an independent variable
• What is the purpose of manipulating the independent variable in experiments?

  To measure its effect on the dependent variable
• What types of experiments are mentioned in the study material?

  Laboratory, field, natural, quasi
• What characterizes laboratory experiments?

  • Conducted in a controlled environment
  • Researcher manipulates the IV
  • Records effects on the DV
  • Maintains control of extraneous variables
• What is a strength of laboratory experiments regarding confounding variables?

  High control ensures effects are due to IV manipulation
• What does high internal validity in laboratory experiments imply?

  More certainty about cause and effect
• Why is replication easier in laboratory experiments?

  Controlled conditions can be easily repeated
• What is a limitation of laboratory experiments regarding generalizability?

  Artificial environment may lead to unusual behavior
• What are demand characteristics in laboratory experiments?

  Participants may behave unnaturally due to awareness
• What characterizes field experiments?

  • Conducted in natural everyday settings
  • Researcher manipulates the IV
  • Records effects on the DV
• What is a strength of field experiments regarding realism?

  Higher mundane realism produces authentic behavior
• What ethical issue arises in field experiments?

  Participants cannot consent to being studied
• What characterizes natural experiments?

  • Researcher has no control over the IV
  • IV varies due to external factors
  • Researcher records effects on a chosen DV
• What is a strength of natural experiments regarding research opportunities?

  Allows research that may not be ethically possible
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding generalizability?

  Rare occurrences limit generalizing findings
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding realism?

  May be conducted in a lab, lacking realism
• What characterizes quasi-experiments?

  • IV based on existing differences (e.g., age)
  • DV may be naturally occurring (e.g., exam results)
• What is a strength of quasi-experiments when controlled?

  Share strengths of laboratory experiments
• What is a limitation of quasi-experiments regarding variables?

  Presence of confounding variables