Field Experiment

More natural environment

An experiment conducted in a more natural or ordinary environment than a lab experiment

Variables still controlled

The variables are still highly controlled despite the more natural environment but extraneous variables cannot be fully controlled unlike lab experiments

Unaware

Participants in a field experiment are often unaware that they are partaking in the experiment, just having their DV measured

Natural behaviour

Lack of awareness may cause more natural behaviour and therefore results may be more accurate

Lack of realism

IV may lack realism that you would find in everyday life which could cause altered behaviour

Extraneous variables

Extraneous variables may not be as controlled and therefore outside factors may sway results

Field experiment are experiments held in a more natural environment but with still heavily controlled variables that lack realism which may alter behaviour but the participants often don’t know they are participating. Results can be swayed by extraneous variables.