2. Research Methods

1. An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an IV is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the DV.

• 1. Experiment

• 1. Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Field Experiment

1. The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher. It takes place in a controlled setting. 

• 1. Experiment

• 1. Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Field Experiment

1. The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher. Takes place in a real-life setting. 

• 1. Experiment

• 1. Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Field Experiment

1. Participants give a degree of consent, but not necessarily informed. The right to withdraw is often given.

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

1. Procedures involve standardized instructions and procedures, giving consistency.

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

1. A high level of control allows cause and effect to be shown.

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

1. Artificial conditions (setting and task) can produce unnatural behavior, lowering ecological validity. 

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

2. Features of the environment may reveal the aim, leading participants to act in a way they feel the researcher wants them to (demand characteristics). 

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

1. There may be deception of the aim of the study to ensure validity.

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment

1. Participants do not know they are taking part, so they are less likely to show demand characteristics.

• 1. Strength of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Strength of Field Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Laboratory Experiment

• 1. Weakness of Field Experiment