Types of Experiments

Laboratory Experiment

A laboratory experiment is conducted in a highly controlled artificial setting.

• Takes place in a lab or controlled environment.

• Researcher controls most variables.

• Standardized procedures are used.

Example: Testing whether caffeine improves memory using participants in a psychology lab.

Feild experiment

A field experiment is carried out in a natural, real-life setting, but the researcher still manipulates the independent variable.

• Conducted in everyday environments such as schools, offices, or streets.

• Participants may not know they are being studied.

Example: Changing background music in a supermarket to observe customer buying behavior.

Natural Experiment

In a natural experiment, the independent variable is not manipulated by the researcher; it occurs naturally.

• Researcher studies naturally occurring events or situations.

• Participants cannot be randomly assigned.

Example: Studying stress levels in people before and after a natural disaster.

Quasi Experiment

A quasi experiment involves an independent variable that already exists, such as age, gender, or personality traits.

• Participants are placed in groups based on pre-existing differences.

• No random allocation.

Example: Comparing memory ability between young adults and elderly adults.