Types of experiments

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Created by
Debbie Joseph

Cards (8)

  • Define ‘lab experiments’
    An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment where EVs are strictly controlled
  • Evaluate ‘lab experiments’
    Strengths: reduced EVs, reduced confounding variables, repeatable & high internal validity
    Weaknesses: artificial, unnatural behaviour, low external validity & mundane realism
  • Define ‘field experiments’
    An experiment that takes place in a natural setting
  • Evaluate ‘field experiments’
    Strengths: high mundane realism, authentic behaviour & high external validity
    Weaknesses: inc. confounding variables, inc. EVs, not repeatable & ethical issues
  • Define ’natural experiments‘
    An experiment where the change in IV would have occurred regardless of the presence of a researcher and the DV measured is decided by the researcher
  • Evaluate ‘natural experiments’
    Strengths: high external validity
    Weaknesses: hard to generalise, lack of realism & demand characteristics
  • Define ‘quasi experiments’
    A study that is almost an experiment but lacks key ingredients such as the IV not being determined by anyone and the ’variables’ just existing
  • Evaluate ‘quasi experiments’
    Strengths: controlled conditions & repeatable
    Weaknesses: increase in confounding variables