RM - Types of experiment

lab/ field/ natural/ quasi-experiments, evaluation points

Lab experiment

Conducted in a controlled, artificial environement where the researcher manipulates the IV and control the EVs

Field experiment

Conducted in a natural environment, but the researcher still manipulates the IV

Natural experiment

The IV occurs naturally, and is not manipulated by the researcher

Quasi-experiment

The IV is based on a pre-existing difference between people

+High internal validity

Lab experiment (S)

-Low ecological validity

Lab experiment (W)

+High ecological validity

Field/natural experiment (S)

-Ethical issues

Field experiment (W)

+Allows research where ethical issues prevent manipulation of IV

Natural experiment (S)

-No random allocation

Natural/quasi-experiment (W)

+Can be conducted under controlled conditions

Quasi-experiment (S)

-Cannot establish cause and effect confidently

Quasi-experiment (W)