1.3.1 Types of Experiments

• What is an experiment in social psychology designed to observe?

  Cause-and-effect relationships
• In an experiment, the independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured
• Where are laboratory experiments conducted?

  Controlled environments
• Field experiments take place in natural settings.
• Comparing and contrasting different types of experiments helps researchers understand their strengths and weaknesses
• Ethical considerations are important in all types of social psychology experiments.
• What is the primary purpose of manipulating independent variables in social psychology experiments?

  To observe their effect
• Experiments in social psychology are unique because they allow researchers to establish causality
• Which research method allows manipulation of variables and establishes cause-and-effect relationships?

  Experiment
• Match the research method with its ability to establish cause-and-effect:

  Experiment ↔️ Yes

  Non-experiment ↔️ No
• Experiments in social psychology are distinct from other research methods because they involve manipulation of variables and can establish causality.
• How is the independent variable manipulated in an experiment?

  By the researcher
• Laboratory experiments are conducted in a controlled environment
• What level of control is typical in laboratory experiments?

  High
• What is an example of a laboratory experiment studying conformity?

  Task with confederates
• Laboratory experiments control extraneous variables to ensure accurate results.
• Researchers studying conformity might use a laboratory experiment where participants complete a task with confederates who give incorrect answers
• The independent variable affects the dependent variable.
• In a laboratory experiment, researchers manipulate the independent variable while controlling extraneous variables
• Match the experiment type with its environment and control level:

  Laboratory Experiment ↔️ Controlled (lab) / High

  Field Experiment ↔️ Natural / Medium

  Natural Experiment ↔️ Natural / Low
• Field experiments have higher ecological validity than laboratory experiments.
• An example of a field experiment is changing the lighting in a retail store to measure customer spending
• What manipulates the independent variable in a natural experiment?

  Natural event
• Natural experiments require direct intervention by the researcher.

  False
• In a natural experiment studying the effect of a disaster on community cohesion, the disaster is the independent variable
• The main difference between laboratory, field, and natural experiments is their level of control.
• Order the steps involved in an experiment in social psychology:

  1️⃣ Form a hypothesis

  2️⃣ Manipulate the independent variable

  3️⃣ Measure the dependent variable

  4️⃣ Analyze the data

  5️⃣ Draw a conclusion
• Match the experiment type with its environment and control level:

  Laboratory Experiment ↔️ Controlled (lab) / High

  Field Experiment ↔️ Natural / Medium

  Natural Experiment ↔️ Natural / Low
• The dependent variable is affected by the independent variable.
• In an experiment, the researcher controls the independent variable.
• What is the primary goal of a laboratory experiment?

  Control extraneous variables
• Laboratory experiments have a high level of control due to their controlled environment.
• What is the main advantage of a field experiment?

  High ecological validity
• Field experiments have lower participant reactivity compared to laboratory experiments.
• What manipulates the independent variable in a natural experiment?

  Natural event
• Natural experiments have a low level of control due to the lack of manipulation.
• What are the main differences between laboratory, field, and natural experiments?

  Setting and control
• Order the types of experiments from highest to lowest control level.

  1️⃣ Laboratory Experiment

  2️⃣ Field Experiment

  3️⃣ Natural Experiment
• Match the experiment type with its characteristic:

  Laboratory Experiment ↔️ High control over variables

  Field Experiment ↔️ High ecological validity

  Natural Experiment ↔️ Studies real-world events
• A researcher studying conformity might use a field experiment by manipulating a variable in a real-world setting.