Experiments

• What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  A measurable change caused by the IV
• What is the main characteristic of laboratory experiments?

  High control over experimental conditions
• Where do laboratory experiments take place?

  In a laboratory
• What distinguishes field experiments from laboratory experiments?

  Field experiments take place in a natural setting
• How is the independent variable (IV) treated in field experiments?

  Manipulated by the experimenter
• What is a natural experiment?

  IV changed by the experimenter in a natural setting
• What is a strength of laboratory experiments?

  Control over extraneous variables (EVs)
• Why can cause and effect be established in laboratory experiments?

  Because extraneous variables can be controlled
• What is a weakness of laboratory experiments?

  Behavior may be less 'normal'
• How might participants change their behavior in laboratory experiments?

  They may act differently because they are observed
• What is a strength of field experiments?

  More realistic due to natural environment
• What is a weakness of field experiments?

  Loss of control over extraneous variables
• What ethical issue may arise in field experiments?

  Participants may not be aware of the study
• What is a strength of natural experiments?

  High validity due to real-world variables
• What is a weakness of natural experiments?

  Few opportunities for research due to rarity
• What is a potential issue with participant allocation in natural experiments?

  Participants may not be randomly allocated
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High control over variables
  • Cause and effect can be established
  • Standardized procedures allow replication

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Less 'normal' behavior
  • Difficult to generalize findings
  • Participants may alter behavior due to observation
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • More realistic due to natural settings
  • Some control through standardized procedures

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Loss of control over extraneous variables
  • Ethical issues with participant awareness
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High validity with real-world variables
  • Some control through standardization

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Rare behaviors limit research opportunities
  • Potential extraneous variables due to non-random allocation