Types of Experiments

Laboratory Experiment

Any place where conditions are well-controlled

IV deliberately changed

Strengths: High control of EVs, high internal validity, replication is more possible

Limitations: Lacks generalisability, low external validity, rise to demand characteristics, low mundane realism

Field Experiments

IV deliberately changed in a natural, everyday setting.

Strengths: High mundane realism - more authentic behaviour, high external validity

Limitations: Less control of EVs, no replication, ethical issues (lack of consent)

Natural Experiments

Researcher has no control on IV

Strengths: Able to do experiments that aren’t typically ethical/practical, high external validity

Limitations: Event may occur rarely, no replication, may not be randomly allocated,as IV isn’t changed by researcher they can’t claim the IV observed any change

Quasi Experiments

IV is based on existing difference between people

Strength: Often carried out in controlled conditions (like a lab) so easy replication and high internal validity.

Limitations: Cannot randomly allocate participants to conditions, may be EVs,as IV isn’t changed by researcher they can’t claim the IV observed any change