location of research

• conducting research in a laboratory


  • the most scientific location a researcher can use to carry out their research.
  • it is a specially designed environment and as such allow maximum control over variables.
  • experiments and observations are commonly carried out in a laboratory.
• laboratory - strengths

  controlled environment - the researcher has control over all the variables, increasing internal experimental validity, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and true.
• laboratory - weaknesses

  the laboratory may cause participants to act unnaturally, as they know they are part of a research study.

  the tasks undertaken in a laboratory are often unrealistic, and do not reflect "real life" - it lacks ecological validity, as results cannot be generalised to real life.
• conducting research in the field

  • more natural setting
  • nearly all research methods can be carried out in the field - experiments, observations and self-report methods.
• field - strengths

  the field allows for more natural research to take place, increasing ecological validity. Behaviour is more authentic, meaning results can be generalised to real life.
• fields - weaknesses

  the field does not allow for as much control over confounding variables as the laboratory, weakening the experimental validity, as you cannot ensure results are accurate, and not due to confounding variables.
• conducting research online

  • surveys and experiments are the most commonly used methods online, and researchers utilise social networking sites as well as specific research sites to find samples and conduct research.
• online - strengths

  more engagement from people from different racial groups, and more engagement worldwide.

  analysis is much easier as data is collected quantitatively.
• online - weaknesses

  identity of participants cannot be confirmed - this may pose ethical issues should vulnerable individuals take part, and with robotic responses.

  monetary rewards can skew who participates.