Research Methods

• What is the main goal of experimental methods?

  To find cause and effect relationships
• What are the four types of experiments?

  1. Laboratory experiment
  2. Field experiment
  3. Natural experiment
  4. Quasi experiment
• What is manipulated in a laboratory experiment?

  The independent variable (IV)
• What is measured in a laboratory experiment?

  The dependent variable (DV)
• Why are conditions controlled in laboratory experiments?

  To minimize extraneous variables' effects
• What can extraneous variables become if not controlled?

  Confounding variables
• How does participant awareness affect laboratory experiments?

  It may lead to demand characteristics
• What are the strengths and limitations of laboratory experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High control over extraneous variables
  • High internal validity

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Low external validity
  • Artificial environment
  • Demand characteristics
• What characterizes field experiments?

  Conducted in natural conditions
• How do participants typically behave in field experiments?

  They are unaware of the investigation
• What are the strengths and limitations of field experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Higher ecological validity
  • More natural behavior observed

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Less control over extraneous variables
  • Confounding variables may distort findings
• What is the main feature of natural experiments?

  The IV is naturally occurring
• How is the DV measured in natural experiments?

  Compared to a control group or baseline
• What are the strengths and limitations of natural experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High external validity
  • Real-life issues studied

  
  

  Limitations:

  • No control over environment
  • Difficult to assess IV effects
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  It has a naturally occurring IV
• What types of differences can the IV represent in quasi-experiments?

  Differences like gender or age
• What are the strengths and limitations of quasi-experiments?

  Strengths:

  • Allows comparison of different groups
  • Ethical insights into human behavior

  
  

  Limitations:

  • No random allocation of participants
  • Potential bias in results
• What are the methodological issues with quasi-experiments?

  • Lack of control over extraneous variables
  • Difficult to ensure IV effects on DV
  • Low ecological validity in lab settings
• How do ecological validity and control over extraneous variables differ among experimental methods?

  • Laboratory: Low ecological validity, high control
  • Field: High ecological validity, low control
  • Natural: High ecological validity, low control
  • Quasi: Varies based on setting
• What is the ecological validity of laboratory experiments?

  Low ecological validity
• What is the ecological validity of field experiments?

  High ecological validity
• What is the ecological validity of natural experiments?

  High ecological validity
• What is the ecological validity of quasi-experiments?

  Varies based on setting
• What is the control over extraneous variables in laboratory experiments?

  High control over extraneous variables
• What is the control over extraneous variables in field experiments?

  Not controlled
• What is the control over extraneous variables in natural experiments?

  Not controlled
• What is the control over extraneous variables in quasi-experiments?

  Varies based on setting
• What is the replicability of laboratory experiments?

  High replicability
• What is the replicability of field experiments?

  Low replicability
• What is the replicability of natural experiments?

  Low replicability
• What is the replicability of quasi-experiments?

  Varies based on setting
• What is the first question in the possible exam questions section?

  Identify the type of experiment conducted
• What is the second question in the possible exam questions section?

  What is meant by the term ‘quasi experiment’?
• What is the third question in the possible exam questions section?

  Identify two features of an experiment
• What is the fourth question in the possible exam questions section?

  Outline what is meant by a laboratory experiment
• What is the fifth question in the possible exam questions section?

  Identify and explain one difference between experiments
• What is the sixth question in the possible exam questions section?

  A psychologist was interested in investigating behavior
• What were the three strengths of Ms B's CV followed by?

  Three negative comments
• What were the three negative comments about Ms B's CV followed by?

  Three strengths
• What did participants have to state after listening to Ms B's CV?

  Whether Ms B would be competent