Types of Experiments in Psychology

Study Notes

Types of Experiments

Three main experiment types: Laboratory, Field, Natural.

Field Experiment

Investigates causal relationships between manipulated independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV).
Conducted in participants' normal environments, enhancing natural behavior.

Natural Experiment

Explores causal relationships where the IV cannot be manipulated by the researcher.
Focuses on existing differences or changes; does not qualify as a true experiment due to lack of IV manipulation.

Laboratory Experiment

Analyzes causal relationships by manipulating the IV and observing its effect on the DV.
Conducted in artificial settings with strict controls; often lacks participants' natural environment.

Generalize

Refers to applying study findings broadly to other settings and populations.

Ecological Validity

Measures the extent findings in one context apply to different contexts.
Influenced by the study's realism and task relevance, impacting generalizability.

Strengths of Laboratory Experiments

Excellent control over extraneous variables, increasing overall validity.
Capability to determine causal relationships clearly.
Standardized procedures enhance reliability, allowing for replication.

Weaknesses of Laboratory Experiments

Often exhibits low ecological validity due to artificial situations.
Participants’ behaviors may be influenced by demand characteristics, skewing results.

Strengths of Field Experiments

High ecological validity as participants interact naturally in their environments.
Reduced demand characteristics since participants are often unaware they are part of a study.

Weaknesses of Field Experiments

Difficulties in controlling extraneous variables, impacting reliability and replication.
Researchers may struggle to confirm that changes in the DV stem from the IV, lowering validity.
Ethical concerns arise due to lack of informed consent.

Strengths of Natural Experiments

Useful for studying real-world issues, leading to better generalizability.
Low demand characteristics as participants act in their normal settings, promoting representative behavior.

Weaknesses of Natural Experiments

Feasible only when natural differences occur.
Challenging control over extraneous variables, complicating causal conclusions.
Difficulties in replicating the study, limiting reliability.

Description

Explore the three main types of experiments: laboratory, field, and natural. Understand their unique features, methodologies, and how they contribute to psychological research. This quiz will help consolidate your knowledge of experimental design and its relevance in real-world applications.