Field experiments and the comparative method

In what 2 ways does a field experiment differ from a lab experiment?

It takes place in the subject's natural environment and those involved don't know that they are involved in the experiment.

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What are 2 criticisms

Because it's in a natural setting there isn't much control over variables. Also, because those involved don't know, it's unethical.

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Whereabouts is a comparative method carried out?

In a sociologists mind and involves no subjects. It relies on re-analysing secondary data that's already been collected.

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What are the 2 steps to discovering cause-and-effect relationships?

Identify 2 groups that are alike in everything apart from 1 thing. Then compare the 2 groups to see if this difference has any effect.

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What 3 advantages does the comparative method have?

It avoids artificially. It can be used to study past events. It avoids the ethical problems of harming or deceiving subjects

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Other cards in this set

Because it's in a natural setting there isn't much control over variables. Also, because those involved don't know, it's unethical.

What are 2 criticisms

In a sociologists mind and involves no subjects. It relies on re-analysing secondary data that's already been collected.

Identify 2 groups that are alike in everything apart from 1 thing. Then compare the 2 groups to see if this difference has any effect.

It avoids artificially. It can be used to study past events. It avoids the ethical problems of harming or deceiving subjects

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