types of experiments

What’s a lab experiment?

An experiment carried out in a controlled setting and tend to have high internal validity because good control over all variables is possible.

variable

Strength of lab experiment.

High control over extraneous variables which means we can be more certain about demonstrating cause and effect - higher internal validity

Limitation of lab experiment.

It lacks generalisability and isn’t like every day life which could lead to participants behaving in unusual ways due to unfamiliar context.

What’s a field experiment?

Controlled environment conducted outside a laboratory. Field experiments tend to have lower internal validity and higher external validity. (Greater mundane realism)

Strength of field experiment.

High mundane realism leading to environment being more natural and producing behaviour that is more authentic.

Limitation of field experiment.

Low internal validity means IV and DV are much more difficult to establish

Participants are unaware meaning they’re unable to give informed consent to be studies

What’s a natural experiment?

Research method in which the experimenter has not manipulated the IV directly (unethical, impractical) but would have even if the researcher hadn’t been there. Researcher records the effect on the dependant variable.

Strength of natural experiment.

Provided opportunities for research that may not have otherwise taken place for practical/ethical reasons.

What’s a limitation of natural

No random allocation meaning that the researched is less sure whether the IV effected the DV

What’s the quasi experiment?

Study that is almost an experiment but lacks the key ingredients. The IV has not been determined by the researcher or any other person- the variables simply exist, such as being old and young.

IV isn’t manipulated as it would be impossible. Eg sex, age, personality.

What’s a strength for quasi

Often carried out under controlled conditions so we’re more certain of the cause and effect

Limitation for quasi

No random allocations therefore may be confounding variables.