7.1.4.5 Evaluation of Experimental Types

• In the coffee experiment, what is the dependent variable?

  The exam scores of students
• What does the experimental method manipulate?

  The independent variable
• What are the characteristics of field experiments?

  • Conducted in natural environments
  • Moderate control over variables
  • High realism
  • Example: Observing helping behavior in a city street
• What are the characteristics of quasi-experiments?

  • Use of naturally occurring groups
  • Low control over variables
  • High realism
  • Example: Comparing stress levels in different courses
• What are the three main types of experiments in A-Level Psychology?

  Laboratory, field, and quasi-experiments
• How does the experimental method determine cause and effect relationships?

  By manipulating the independent variable and measuring outcomes
• How does the control over variables in laboratory experiments compare to field experiments?

  Laboratory experiments have high control, field experiments moderate
• What are the three main types of experiments in A-Level Psychology?

  Laboratory experiments, field experiments, and quasi-experiments
• What is the purpose of a controlled setting in the experimental method?

  To isolate the effects of the independent variable
• If you wanted to observe helping behavior in a natural setting, which type of experiment would you use?

  Field experiment
• What is the key difference between laboratory experiments and field experiments?

  Laboratory experiments have a controlled environment, while field experiments take place in natural settings
• What is the main advantage of field experiments over laboratory experiments?

  Field experiments have higher realism
• What is the experimental method?

  A systematic way to find cause and effect
• What is the main disadvantage of quasi-experiments compared to laboratory and field experiments?

  Quasi-experiments have low control over variables
• What is measured in the experimental method?

  The dependent variable
• If you wanted to study how caffeine affects reaction time, which type of experiment would you use?

  Laboratory experiment
• In the coffee experiment, what is the independent variable?

  The amount of coffee given
• What are the characteristics of laboratory experiments?

  • Controlled environment (like a lab)
  • High control over variables
  • Low realism
  • Example: Testing reaction time with caffeine
• If you wanted to compare stress levels of students in different courses, which type of experiment would you use?

  Quasi-experiment
• What is a strength of lab experiments regarding replicability?

  They are easy to replicate
• How do demand characteristics affect participant behavior in lab experiments?

  Participants may change behavior due to observation
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of lab experiments?

  Strengths:

  • High control over variables
  • Easy to replicate

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Low ecological validity
  • Demand characteristics affect behavior
• What is the significance of ensuring no distractions in lab experiments?

  It helps maintain consistent conditions for all participants
• What is a weakness of lab experiments related to ecological validity?

  Low ecological validity
• What are the key differences between laboratory experiments, field experiments, and quasi-experiments?

  • Laboratory experiments:
  • Controlled environment
  • High control over variables
  • Low realism
  • Field experiments:
  • Natural environment
  • Moderate control over variables
  • High realism
  • Quasi-experiments:
  • Natural settings
  • Low control over variables
  • High realism
• How could weather conditions affect a study on helping behavior in a park?

  Uncontrollable weather may influence actions
• What is a major weakness of quasi-experiments regarding causality?

  Other factors may influence the results
• What is a strength of lab experiments regarding variable control?

  High control over variables
• What is a weakness of lab experiments related to participant behavior?

  Demand characteristics
• Why do quasi-experiments have fewer ethical concerns?

  They avoid manipulating people or situations
• Why is replicability important in lab experiments?

  It confirms the reliability of results
• How can quasi-experiments reveal differences in stress levels among students?

  By comparing naturally occurring groups in courses
• What are quasi-experiments?

  Experiments in natural settings without manipulation
• What does the lack of control in quasi-experiments imply?

  Variables can't be directly controlled or manipulated
• What is the ecological validity of field experiments?

  High
• What does the term "ecological validity" refer to in lab experiments?

  The applicability of results to real-life situations
• What is the ecological validity of laboratory experiments?

  Low
• Why is high control in lab experiments beneficial?

  It isolates cause and effect relationships
• What might be a reason for students performing better in a lab setting during the coffee experiment?

  They are in a test-like environment
• How is the independent variable (IV) manipulated in laboratory experiments?

  Manipulated by the researcher