Types of Experiments

• 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
• What is the main characteristic of a laboratory experiment?

  Full control over environmental factors
• What is the independent variable in a lab experiment?

  The factor that is changed by the experimenter
• What is the dependent variable in a lab experiment?

  The variable that is measured in the experiment
• How does changing the independent variable affect the dependent variable?

  It allows measurement of cause and effect
• What does high internal validity in lab experiments indicate?

  The observed effect is due to the independent variable
• What is a disadvantage of lab experiments regarding ecological validity?

  They may not generalize to real-world settings
• What is meant by mundane realism in lab experiments?

  Tasks may not reflect real-world activities
• What are demand characteristics in lab experiments?

  Participants change behavior based on expectations
• What is the main advantage 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 compared to lab experiments?

  Lack of control over extraneous variables
• What defines a natural experiment?

  The independent variable occurs naturally
• Why are natural experiments considered high in external validity?

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

  Less certainty about the relationship between IV and DV
• What is a quasi-experiment?

  Participants cannot be randomly assigned to conditions
• What is a strength of quasi-experiments?

  They allow study of existing groups
• What are confounding variables in quasi-experiments?

  Differences beyond group membership affecting results
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each type of experiment?

  Laboratory Experiments:

  • Strengths: High control, replicable, clear cause-effect
  • Weaknesses: Low ecological validity, demand characteristics

  
  

  Field Experiments:

  • Strengths: High ecological validity, natural behavior
  • Weaknesses: Less control, potential extraneous variables

  
  

  Natural Experiments:

  • Strengths: Ethical, high external validity
  • Weaknesses: Less control, hard to replicate

  
  

  Quasi Experiments:

  • Strengths: Study existing groups
  • Weaknesses: Confounding variables, no random assignment
• What resources are available for students studying research methods?

  Psych boost workbook and tutorial videos
• What is the significance of the Romanian orphan studies mentioned?

  They illustrate the effects of emotional deprivation