Quasi

• What is a defining characteristic of quasi-experiments?

  They have an IV based on existing differences
• Why can't the independent variable in a quasi-experiment be changed?

  It simply exists and is not manipulated
• In a study comparing anxiety levels, what would the IV be if comparing phobic and non-phobic patients?


  'Having a phobia'
• What types of dependent variables can be used in quasi-experiments?

  Naturally occurring or devised by the experimenter
• What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Conducted under controlled conditions
  • Share strengths of lab experiments (e.g. replication)

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cannot randomly allocate participants
  • Potential confounding variables
  • IV not deliberately changed by the researcher
• How do quasi-experiments and natural experiments compare in terms of IV manipulation?

  Neither deliberately change the independent variable
• What is a potential issue with not being able to randomly allocate participants in quasi-experiments?

  It may introduce confounding variables
• What can we not claim about the IV in quasi-experiments?

  That it has caused any observed change