LAB
define a laboratory experiment without forgetting its key terms
an investigation, IV is manipulated to cause a change in DV, controlled or unnatural environment.
define field experiments with its key terms.
the meaning of an experiment without forgetting NATURAL environment.
why is this called natural experiment and when can you use it?
because the conditions of IV happen by themselves, they can not be manipulated by researcher
when the IV is naturally occurring.
define experimental controls.
making sure that only the manipulation of IV is causing change in DV.
define validity and reliability with its key terms
validity; how accurate or true findings are
reliability; how much the study can be replicated to get similar results or degree of consistency
define Independent and dependent variable using a clear example.
IV; the manipulated or investigated factor represents the different conditions in the study
DV; the measured factor
example; how noise levels affect performance. levels of noise is the IV and performance is the DV
which variables get controlled in this experiment? why do they affect this type of experiment? define them with an example.
situational variables
because of natural environment
they are environmental factors or situations like weather, temperature.
where is it conducted?
it can be in the lab or the field, as long as the IV is not manipulated by the researcher.
what are extraneous or confounding variables? give two examples
variables apart from the IV that affect the DV like intelligence or memory.
define quantitative and qualitative data with examples and one advantage for each
quantitative; in numbers eg 30
it simplifies analysis
qualitative; in words and statements
gives reason behind behavior
participant variables. they are individual differences between participants like intelligence, memory, level of motivation.
explain at least two advantages of these experiments.
high ecological validity and mundane realism
low demand characteristics since people will not know they are in a study this can increase validity.
IV and DV are still retained so cause effect can still be obtained
explain at least two weaknesses of this experiment.
difficult to know cause effect without manipulation of IV
low reliability since replication can be difficult.
validity can be low too due to low controls.
what are the three types of confounding variables, define them.
situational variables; condition of environment
experimenter variables; when presence of researcher affects outcomes
participant variables; individual differences
define and differentiate ecological validity and mundane realism
ecological validity; how the setting or environment of study relates to real life
mundane realism; how the tasks conducted in the study relate to real life
explain at least 3 strengths of a laboratory experiment.
high reliability due to standardization
high controls give high validity
can be sure of cause effect relationship due to controlled environment
need some degree of consent from participants, this is ethical and improves the reputation of psychology to the public.
explain at least 3 weaknesses of field experiments.
difficult to control other variables hence lower validity
difficult to replicate due to low possibility of standardization hence lower reliability.
there might be ethical issues since people do do not know they are being studied.
explain at least 3 strengths of this experiment.
features of experiment, IV and DV are still retained
psychologists are able to study real problems.
if conducted in lab, it can have high controls and validity.
enable researchers to investigate things that may be unethical to manipulate.
give 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses of controls
higher validity and cause effect relationship
increases reliability
reductionist
can lower ecological validity and mundane realism
what is manipulation of IV
dividing participants into different levels of IV or groups
explain at least 5 weaknesses of the laboratory experiments.
artificial setting and unnatural tasks leads to low ecological validity and mundane realism.
some people find it dehumanizing due to treating people like lab rats
the high controls are reductionist, behavior does not occur separately from others
high risk of deception and other ethical issues to ensure validity
the study is more likely to be snapshot, will not be studied in detail.
which ethical guidelines can be broken during field experiments and why? give at least 3
deception; they may not know they are being studied
risk of invading peoples privacy
debriefing may be difficult
lack of informed consent
may be hard to withdraw
list 5 naturally occurring IVs that can not be manipulated.
gender
height
weight
race
IQ
Autism
whether you are left handed or right handed.
explain two ways an experimenter can affect the outcomes independent of the IV and how they can be controlled.
presence of experimenter can alter peoples behavior. controlled by single blind design where participant does not know what is expected of them.
experimenter bias; when he wants to achieve a particular outcome. controlled by double blind design where participant does not know what is expected and researcher does not know which group participant belongs to.
define experimental and control groups.
experimental groups are the ones receiving the new treatment
control groups receive normal treatment and the IV is missing