Types of Experiments

The two types of Experiments

1. Laboratory Experiments

2. Field Experiments

Laboratory Experiments

Study that takes place in an artificial setting. The setting allows the researcher to have high control over the environment.

Strengths of Lab Experiments

• High Control over variables → high confidence that the IV is affecting only the DV therefore higher validity

• Standardization → easier to replicate the study therefore higher reliability

• Higher Ethics → valid consent and right to withdraw

Weaknesses of Lab Experiments

• Lacks Ecological Validity → findings cannot be generalized to real life

• Higher chance of demand characteristics 

• Lacks Mundane Realism → tasks does not reflect real life.

Field Experiments

Study that takes place in a natural setting. Researcher has much less control over the situation (street, subway, beach, library).

Strengths of Field Experiments

• Ecological Validity 

• Lack of Demand Characteristics 

• High Mundane Realism

Weaknesses of Field Experiments

• Lacks control of Variables (low internal validity) 

• Low Standardization (low replicability and reliability)

• Low Ethics