field experiments

field experiment

* alternative to lab experiment
* takes place in subject’s natural surroundings rather than artificial lab environment. HOWEVER: more realistic make situation less control have over variables and so can’t be certain that the causes identified are the right ones
* those involved are generally not aware they are subjects if an experiment - no Hawthorne effect
* researcher manipulated one or more variables in situation to see if has effect on unwitting subjects of experiment.

the comparative method

* unlike other experiments, comparative method done only in mind of sociologist - ‘though experiment’ that doesn’t involve researcher actually experimenting on people but like lab experiments designed to find cause and effect relationships:


1. identify two groups of people alike in all major respects apart from one variable that researcher interested in
2. compare 2 groups to see if the one difference between them has any effect

advantage - validity

* truth and depth, observe participants in natural setting and so will act closer to how they act in real life, increases verstehen

disadvantage - variables

* hard to control variables when experiments are carried out in the field
* takes place in subject’s natural surroundings rather than artificial lab environment. HOWEVER: more realistic make situation less control have over variables and so can’t be certain that the causes identified are the right ones

advantage - ethical

* participants usually unaware they are being observed and so lack of informed consent e.g. Rosenthal & Jacobsen
* this can also cause harm to unaware participants