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Experiments
What are experiments?:
Research method where the researcher looks to manipulate one factor to see if it will cause a change in behaviour
Uses variables: Factors that can be measured, manipulated and quantified
The researcher looks to manipulate the independent variable to see if it causes a change in the dependent variable, which is then measured
Type of experiments:
Laboratory or controlled experiments
All variables apart from the independent variable are controlled
The causal relationship between the independent variable being manipulated and the dependent variable changing
Field experiments:
Natural environment: Less control over extraneous variables
Researcher still looks to see if a manipulation of IV causes a change in DV
The usefulness of experiments:
Highly scientific: Causal relationships and correlations
High in reliability as it can be replicated
They can test predictions and help to prove theoretical ideas
Quantitative data useful for positivist sociology
Practical issues with experiments:
Cost of materials and lab hire
Gathering a representative sample
Lab experiments: Volunteers
Field experiments: Opportunity sample
How do we control variables?
Lack of consequences in lab experiments
Ethical issues with experiments:
Deception in lab experiments- Often need to hide true aims from participants
Consent in field experiments
There is potential for psychological harm in both forms of experiment if the participant behaves against their own moral code
Theoretical issues with experiments:
Can lack validity: Will behaviour be the same in a lab as in real life?
May understand behaviours, but not the rationale behind them as produce largely quantitative data
While it is objective, the researcher decides on variables to manipulate, reducing research to one factor
Examples of experiments:
Mostly used in social psychology
Lab experiment
Milgram’s experiments into obedience
Field experiment
Rosenthal and Jacobsen Pygmalion in the Classroom
Experiments
What are experiments?:
Research method where the researcher looks to manipulate one factor to see if it will cause a change in behaviour
Uses variables: Factors that can be measured, manipulated and quantified
The researcher looks to manipulate the independent variable to see if it causes a change in the dependent variable, which is then measured
Type of experiments:
Laboratory or controlled experiments
All variables apart from the independent variable are controlled
The causal relationship between the independent variable being manipulated and the dependent variable changing
Field experiments:
Natural environment: Less control over extraneous variables
Researcher still looks to see if a manipulation of IV causes a change in DV
The usefulness of experiments:
Highly scientific: Causal relationships and correlations
High in reliability as it can be replicated
They can test predictions and help to prove theoretical ideas
Quantitative data useful for positivist sociology
Practical issues with experiments:
Cost of materials and lab hire
Gathering a representative sample
Lab experiments: Volunteers
Field experiments: Opportunity sample
How do we control variables?
Lack of consequences in lab experiments
Ethical issues with experiments:
Deception in lab experiments- Often need to hide true aims from participants
Consent in field experiments
There is potential for psychological harm in both forms of experiment if the participant behaves against their own moral code
Theoretical issues with experiments:
Can lack validity: Will behaviour be the same in a lab as in real life?
May understand behaviours, but not the rationale behind them as produce largely quantitative data
While it is objective, the researcher decides on variables to manipulate, reducing research to one factor
Examples of experiments:
Mostly used in social psychology
Lab experiment
Milgram’s experiments into obedience
Field experiment
Rosenthal and Jacobsen Pygmalion in the Classroom
