Experimental Methods

• Experimental Methods: research methods psychologists use to systematically investigate behaviour --> involves manipulating and IV to see how it affects a DV
• Benefits of using Experimental Methods: it allows for cause-and-effect conclusions to be drawn as long as variables other than the IV are controlled
• Laboratory Experiments:

  • conducted under controlled conditions
  • usually in a lab room
• Field Experiments:

  • carried out in natural conditions
  • replicate real-life scenario
• Natural Experiments:

  • researcher is unable to manipulate the IV + therefore examines the effect of a NATURALLY OCCURRING variable on the DV
  • carried out in natural conditions
• Quasi Experiments:

  • contain a naturally occurring IV
  • the naturally occurring IV is a difference between people that already exists