G544 Experimental designs

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  • Created by: Poppy
  • Created on: 15-06-13 15:28

Research methods 

Methods 

Laboratory experiment - This is when the experiment takes place in a controlled environment. 
Strengths: Controls for extraneous variables which enables the results gained to be showing the cause and effect relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable only. Laboratory experiments are also considered to be scientific and therefore objective if quanitative methods are used. 
Weaknesses: Due to the high controlled situation, the environment becomes artificial and the findings become unreflective of a real life situation; hence it lacks ecological validity. Also, because the experiment takes place in a laboratory, the participants are aware that they are participating in a research and therefore they are prone to showing demand characteristics, social desirability or screw-you effect. This makes the experiment lack validity. 

Field experiment - This is when the experiment takes place in the participant's natural environment. 
Strengths:
High in ecological validity

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