Types of Experiments in Psychology

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are types of experiments? (Select all that apply)

Laboratory Experiment (correct)

Field Experiment (correct)

Observational Experiment

Natural Experiment (correct)

What is a field experiment?

An investigation looking for a causal relationship between an independent variable and its effect on a dependent variable conducted in a normal environment.

What is a natural experiment?

An investigation looking for a causal relationship where the independent variable cannot be manipulated by the experimenter.

What defines a laboratory experiment?

An investigation conducted in an artificial environment with strict controls to establish causal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'generalise' mean in research?

To apply the findings of a study more widely, such as to other settings and populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is ecological validity?

The extent to which findings of research can be generalized to other situations. Signup and view all the answers

Laboratory experiments have high ecological validity.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of laboratory experiments?

Good control of extraneous variables, ability to determine causal relationships, and standardized procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What are some weaknesses of laboratory experiments?

Low ecological validity due to artificial situations and potential demand characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of field experiments?

High ecological validity and less demand characteristics as participants are unaware they are in a study. Signup and view all the answers

What are some weaknesses of field experiments?

Harder control of extraneous variables, low reliability, and potential ethical issues due to lack of consent. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of natural experiments?

Generalisable findings and low demand characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What are some weaknesses of natural experiments?

Difficult control of extraneous variables, hard to establish causal relationships, and challenging to replicate. Signup and view all the answers

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.