Types of Experiments

    Cards (17)

    • An Aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate as the purpose of the study
    • A Hypothesis is a clear, precise, and testable statement that predicts the relationship between the independent & dependent variables
    • Laboratory experiments are conducted in highly controlled environments
    • Laboratory experiments have high control over confounding & extraneous variables so have high internal validity and are replicable
    • Laboratory experiments lack generalisability as the environment is artificial so have low external validity & mundane realism, and may show demand characteristics
    • Field experiments are conducted in a natural, more everyday setting which is a usual environment for the participant
    • Field experiments have high mundane realism so show more authentic behaviour
    • Field experiments are difficult to control for confounding & extraneous variables
    • Field experiments may have ethical issues if participants have not consented to being studied
    • Natural experiments are when the researcher has no control over the independent variable
    • Natural experiments have high external validity as they study real-world issues
    • Natural experiments are limited as there are rarely opportunities for research and the relationships between independent & dependent variables may be unsure
    • Quasi experiments are when the indenpendent variable is based on an existing difference between participants
    • Quasi experiments are often carried out under controlled conditions so are easily replicated
    • Quasi experiments often have confounding variables as participants cannot be randomly allocated
    • Pilot studies are small-scale 'trial runs' used to assess the validity and feasibility of the research
    • Pilot studies may look at stimuli, timing, instructions
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