experimental methods

• lab: highly controlled variables, typically in a lab. researcher manipulates the IV to measure the effect of the DV.
• field: in natural conditions, any location (not a lab) and p's in a field experiment typically do not know they are partaking in an investigation. used to view more natural behaviour.
• natural: no manipulation of IV as these are naturally occurring e.g. earthquakes, examines the effect of existing IV on the dv. behaviour of people affected is either compared to a control group or to their own behaviour beforehand (if possible)
• quasi: contains naturally occurring variable but one that already exists. but the iv is the difference between people like gender, age, height etc. researcher examines this effect on the DV. can be conducted anywhere.