Experiments | Psychology

Flashcards exploring the aspects of the research method experiment in-depth.

True Experiments Definition

The IV is manipulated to see its effect on the DV which is later measured. The study’s procedure is standardized and variables are operationalized while participants are randomly allocated to conditions.

True Experiments

1. Laboratory Experiments

2. Field Experiments

Laboratory Experiments

True experiment that take place in controlled settings.
+ Cause-and-Effect can be inferred.
+ High Internal Validity
+ Standardization —> Higher Reliability
- Demand Characteristics
- Low Ecological Validity
- Researcher Bias

Field Experiments

True experiments that take place in real life settings.
+ High Ecological Validity
+ Generalize Findings
+ Less risk for demand characteristics.
- Extraneous Variables
- Not easily replicable.
- Ethical Considerations

Correlational Experiments

1. Natural Experiments

2. Quasi-Experiments

Correlational Experiments Definition

Participants are not randomly allocated to conditions but allocated in regard to their specific trait, though cause-and-effect can’t be inferred.

Quasi-Experiments

Participants are allocated based on a certain behaviour/trait.

Natural Experiments

The IV is naturally occurring and uses both a pre- and post-test design,

Natural and Quasi-Experiment Evaluation

+ High Ecological Validity
+ Demand Characteristics
+ Only Method Available (IV Manipulation, Ethical)
- Can’t Draw Cause-and-Effect