Experiment types/design

What is a laboratory experiment?

Highly controlled artificial environment

What are strengths of a laboratory experiment?

• easy to standardize

• precise - increased reliability

What are weaknesses of a laboratory experiment?

• lack of ecological validity

• participants may alter behavior

What is a field experiment?

Occurs in a participant's natural environment

What are the strengths of field experiments?

• more natural behavior

• possibly unaware of study

What are th weaknesses of field experiments?

• extraneous variables may take effect

• replication more difficult (lower reliability)

What is a quasi experiment?

The IV is naturally occurring

What are the strengths of a quasi experiment?

• cannot be manipulated

• greater ecological validity

What are the weaknesses of a quasi experiment?

• reduced confidence in the casual relationship

• can be difficult to replicate (reliability)

What is independent measures design?

Each participant takes part in only one condition

What are the strengths of independent measures?

• no order effects

• reduced risk of demand characteristics

What are the weaknesses of independent measures?

• individual differences

• more participants needed

What is meant by repeated measures?

Each participant takes part in all/ both conditions

What are the strengths of repeated measures?

• less likely to distort results

• fewer participants are needed

What are the weaknesses of repeated measures?

• order effects distort results

• risk of demand characteristics

What is matched pairs design?

Participants take part in one condition and are matched based on key characteristics

What are the strengths of matched pairs design?

• reduced risk of demand characteristics

• controlling for individual differences

What is a weakness of matched pairs design?

• very difficult to implement