Types of Experiment

• What types of experiments are discussed in the video?

  Lab, field, natural, and quasi experiments
• Why might terminology in research methods be intimidating?

  Because many terms may be unfamiliar
• How should you approach watching the research methods videos?

  • Watch once without notes
  • Pause to write key ideas on the second viewing
• What is a laboratory experiment?

  An experiment with full control over variables
• What is the role of the independent variable in a lab experiment?

  It is the factor that changes between conditions
• Why is high control in lab experiments beneficial?

  It suggests a cause and effect relationship
• What is a disadvantage of lab experiments regarding ecological validity?

  Behaviors may not generalize to real-world settings
• What does high internal validity in lab experiments indicate?

  The observed effect is due to the independent variable
• What is meant by mundane realism in lab experiments?

  Tasks may not reflect real-world activities
• How do demand characteristics affect lab experiments?

  Participants may change behavior due to expectations
• What is a field experiment?

  An experiment conducted in a natural setting
• What is the main strength of field experiments?

  Increased external validity and natural behavior
• How do field experiments address demand characteristics?

  Participants are often unaware of the study
• What is a disadvantage of field experiments regarding control?

  Less control over extraneous variables
• What defines a natural experiment?

  The independent variable occurs naturally
• What is a strength of natural experiments?

  They allow research in ethically sensitive areas
• Why do natural experiments have high external validity?

  Changes occur naturally in real life
• What is a limitation of natural experiments regarding cause and effect?

  Less certainty about the cause and effect relationship
• What is a quasi experiment?

  An experiment without random assignment of participants
• Why are quasi experiments necessary?

  They study factors that cannot be randomly assigned
• What is a potential issue with quasi experiments regarding confounding variables?

  Differences beyond group membership may exist
• What resources are available for students studying research methods?

  • Psych boost workbook with 150 worksheets
  • Videos covering research methods
  • Printable resources on psych.com