The Experimental Method in Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the experimental method in psychology.

Laboratory Experiment

An experiment conducted in a controlled environment, such as a university lab, allowing high levels of control but lower ecological validity.

Field Experiment

An experiment conducted in a natural setting, such as a school or workplace, which increases ecological validity but reduces control.

True Experiment

An experiment that controls variables and uses random allocation of participants to groups.

Quasi-Experiment

A study that lacks random allocation to groups but resembles a true experiment in design.

Ecological Validity

The degree to which research findings can be generalized to real-world settings.

Cause and Effect

The relationship between two variables where one variable (the cause) directly influences the other variable (the effect).