Types of experiments

Laboratory experiment

Laboratory experiments is an experiment that takes place within which the researcher manipulates the independent variable and records the effect on the dependent variable whilst maintaining strict control of the extraneous variables

Strengths

• There is high control over confounding variables and extraneous variables

• It’s more possible to replicate as there is high level of control. This ensures that any extraneous variables are not introduced when repeating an experiment

Limitations

• Lacks generalisability as lab environments are artificial

• Lacks logical validity

• Less natural behaviour from the participants as they are aware they are being tested in a lab

• Lacks mundane realism

Field experiments

Field experiments is an experiment that takes place in a natural setting within which the researcher manipulates the independent variable and records the effect on the dependent variable

Strengths

• they have high mundane realism

• Produces a valid and authentic behaviour

Limitations

• There is less control over extraneous variables

• As participants are unaware they are being studied they are unable to give informed consent and therefore the researcher invaded their privacy

Natural experiments

A Natural experiment is an experiment where the change in the iv is not brought amount by the researcher but would’ve happened even if the researcher had not been there. The researcher records the effect on the dv they’ve decided on

Strengths

• provides opportunities for research that may not otherwise be undertaken for practical or ethical reasons

• It has high validity because they involve the study of real-world problems

Limitations

• A naturally occurring event may only happen very rarely reducing the opportunities for research that

• Participants may not be randomly allocated to experimental conditions

Quasi- experiments

A quasi experiment is an experiment that has an Iv that is based on an existing difference between people, no one has manipulated this variable

Strengths and limitations

• it’s carried out under controlled conditions

• Cannot randomly allocate participants

• The IV is not deliberately changed by the researcher