Experimental Methods

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Lab study

  • Researcher controls as many variables as possible
  • Done in a lab
  • Using standardised procedures
  • True experiment

Advantages:

High control, replication is easy and random allocation is possible.

Disadvantages:

Low external validity, and a higher likelihood of investigator effects and demand characteristics. 

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Field study

  • Takes place in the real world
  • Researcher manipulates the IV and records the effect on the DV
  • Participants aren't randomly allocated

Advantages:

High ecological validity.

Disadvantages:

Less control over variables, replication is difficult, and sample bias.

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Quasi study

  • Almost an experiment BUT lacks one thing it needs to be a true experiment
  • Usually, the IV has not been manipulated by the researcher

Advantages:

High ecological vaildity, and is useful when manipulating the IV is unethical. 

Disadvantages:

Confounding variables are more likely, must wait for the IV to occur, and can only be used when conditions occur naturally. 

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Natural study

  • The change in the IV is not brought about by the researcher and would happen if the researcher wasn't there
  • Researcher records the effect on the DV

Advantages:

High ecological validity, no demand characteristics and no investigator effects. 

Disadvantages: 

Replication is difficult. 

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