Laboratory experiments (Cross-curricular)

This is a resorce ive made for my Psychology & Sociology classes as it applies to both.

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Laboratory experiments (Cross-curricular)

Advantages

  • Shows a clear cause and effect relationship between two or more variables.
  • High control - This means that the extraneous variables can be manipulated by the experimenter so as they do not interfere with the Dependant variable.
  • Replication - As experiments are carried out using a precise set of instructions, it means another scientist/psychologist or sociologist can use those instructions to carry out the exact same experiment in terms of the method.
  • Measurable Data - Lab experiments provide us with numerical, quantitative data which can be easily transferred and presented in graphs and the likes.

Disadvantages

  • Ecological Validity - The environment in which a study is set is artificial and lacks ecological validity as it does not mirror real life in a way that can help us to generalise the results we collect and in the same way, the conclusions we make. Artificial situation/environment ---> Artificial Behaviour
  • Control of Variables - The control of an experiment has a direct correlation with the realism of the study - the higher the realism the less control.
  • Demand Characteristics - When people enter an experiment, there is always a chance that they will act/behave in a way that they believe the experimenter is looking for (particularly if they have received some gain from taking part in the study i.e. Payment)
  • Ethical Issues - Many experiments that are carried out are criticised because they haven't practiced the proper Ethical guidelines set out by the BPS.

Evaluation

In science experiments may seem the best option as they use inanimate objects such as chemicals which will react/behave in the same way as each is identical - however in psychology or sociology, were more interested in finding out about people who are animate and have there own thoughts, feelings and individual experiences which are said to influence the way they behave anyway. In some cases different types are more useful such as field and natural experiments, but of course these come with there advantages and disadvantages to.

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