Types of Experiments

• Lab experiement is where the IV is manipulated to see the effects on the DV. Conducted in a highly controlled environment, where conditions can be controlled.
• Strength of Lab experiments

  • High internal validity
  • High control over variables
  • Replication is possible
  • Allows us to draw conclusions
• Weakness of Lab experiments

  • Lacks generalizability - due to artificial settings
  • Lacks mundane realism
  • Participants are subject to demand characteristics
• Field experiment is when the IV is manipulated but in a more natural setting. E.g: On the street, in an office, a hospital etc.
• Strengths of field experiment

  • Higher mundane realism because the tasks tend to be more like what they would do in everyday life
  • Often do not know they are being studied - less chance of demand characteristics
  • High external validity
• Weakness of Field experiment

  • Less control - lacks internal validity and higher chance of extraneous variables affecting the DV, making it more difficult to establish cause and effect
  • Replication not possible
  • Ethical issues - informed consent