experiments

What are the types of experiments

• Lab

• Field

What are lab experiments & examples

Conducted in an artificial setting using highly controlled variables

E.g. the Bobo Doll experiment & the Standford University prison experiment

Ethical evaluation of lab experiments

• Researchers can often gain informed consent & minimise harm

• Some experiments (Zimbardo’s Prison experiment) have raised ethical concerns

• Some may involve deception or psychological distress

Are lab experiments reliable

• Highly replicable - others can repeat them under the same conditions to verify results

• Human behaviour is complex so responses may vary across different contexts

Are lab experiments valid

• High internal validity since variables are controlled

• Low external validity since artificial settings may not reflect real life social interactions

Are lab experiments representative

• Often small scale meaning findings may not be generalisable to wider populations

Theoretical evaluation of lab experiments

• Positivists - favour for their scientific & objective nature

• Interpretivists - criticise for lacking depth and real world applicability

What are field experiments & examples

Take place in a natural, real world setting

E.g. Rosenhan ‘Sane in Insane Places’ study and Rosenthal & Jacobson Pygmalion in the classroom

Practical evaluation of field experiments

• They are often small scale meaning they require fewer participants making them easier to conduct

Ethical evaluation of field experiments

• They may involve deception or lack of informed consent, especially if conducted covertly

Are field experiments reliable

• Hard to replicate due to the lack of control over variables

Are field experiments valid

• Take place in natural settings which reduces artificiality