Experiments

What is an experiment?

A research method where researchers manipulate variables under controlled conditions to investigate cause-and-effect relationships.

What is a laboratory experiment?

An experiment conducted in an artificial environment where the researcher has a high level of control over variables.

What is a field experiment?

An experiment conducted in a natural setting rather than an artificial laboratory.

What is a variable?

A factor that can change and potentially affect the outcome of research.

What is the independent variable?

The variable that the researcher deliberately changes or manipulates.

What is the dependent variable?

The variable that is measured to see whether it has been affected by the independent variable.

What is a control group?

A group that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used for comparison.

What is an experimental group?

A group that receives the experimental treatment or has the independent variable manipulated.

What is cause and effect?

The idea that one factor causes a change in another factor.

What is a strength of laboratory experiments?

They allow researchers to control variables and therefore establish cause-and-effect relationships.

What is a weakness of laboratory experiments?

The artificial setting may reduce ecological validity because participants may behave differently from how they would in everyday life.

What is ecological validity?

The extent to which research reflects behaviour in real-life settings.

What is a strength of field experiments?

They take place in a natural environment, increasing ecological validity.

What is a weakness of field experiments?

The researcher has less control over variables, making it harder to establish cause and effect.

Why do positivists like experiments?

They provide quantitative data, allow variables to be controlled and can identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Why might interpretivists dislike experiments?

They argue that artificial settings can prevent researchers from understanding the meanings behind people's behaviour.

What ethical issue can experiments create?

Participants may experience stress, deception or harm, particularly if they are unaware of the true purpose of the research.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

When participants change their behaviour because they know they are being studied.

Why are laboratory experiments often reliable?

The controlled conditions make it easier to repeat the research.

Why can laboratory experiments lack validity?

People may behave unnaturally because they know they are being studied in an artificial environment.