laboratory experiments

laboratory experiments

• an experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV

• maintaining strict control of extraneous variables

control - strength

• high control over confounding and extraneous variables which means that the researcher can ensure that any effect on the DV is likely to be result of IV

replication - strength

• replication is more possible than in other types of experiment due to the level of control

• new extraneous will not be introduced when repeating this experiment

• enhances validity

generalisability - limitation

• lab environment may be rather artificial

• behaviour cannot always be generalised beyond the research setting (low external validity)

• participants are aware they are being tested, may lead to demand characteristics

realism - limitation

• the tasks participants are asked to carry out in a lab experiment may not represent everyday experience

• low mundane realism