RM - P9990 (Part 1)

What is an Experiment?

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an independent variable (IV) is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable (DV).

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which the IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Instead, they study the effect of an existing difference or change. This is not a true experiment as the experimenter cannot manipulate the levels of the IV.

• This is conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing. The researcher has control over a few variables, but it difficult to control all variables.

• A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls. This looks for a causal relationship and is conducted in a setting which is not the usual environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

Answer explanation

Lab Experiment: A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls.
Natural Experiment: The IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter.
Field Experiment: Conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

What is a Laboratory Experiment?

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an independent variable (IV) is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable (DV).

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which the IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Instead, they study the effect of an existing difference or change. This is not a true experiment as the experimenter cannot manipulate the levels of the IV.

• This is conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing. The researcher has control over a few variables, but it difficult to control all variables.

• A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls. This looks for a causal relationship and is conducted in a setting which is not the usual environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

Answer explanation

Lab Experiment: A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls.
Natural Experiment: The IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter.
Field Experiment: Conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing

What is a Natural Experiment?

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an independent variable (IV) is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable (DV).

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which the IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Instead, they study the effect of an existing difference or change. This is not a true experiment as the experimenter cannot manipulate the levels of the IV.

• This is conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing. The researcher has control over a few variables, but it difficult to control all variables.

• A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls. This looks for a causal relationship and is conducted in a setting which is not the usual environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

Answer explanation

Lab Experiment: A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls.
Natural Experiment: The IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter.
Field Experiment: Conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing

What is a Field Experiment?

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which an independent variable (IV) is manipulated and is expected to be responsible for changes in the dependent variable (DV).

• An investigation looking for a causal relationship in which the IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter. Instead, they study the effect of an existing difference or change. This is not a true experiment as the experimenter cannot manipulate the levels of the IV.

• This is conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing. The researcher has control over a few variables, but it difficult to control all variables.

• A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls. This looks for a causal relationship and is conducted in a setting which is not the usual environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing.

Answer explanation

Lab Experiment: A research method in which there is an IV, DV, and strict controls.
Natural Experiment: The IV cannot be directly manipulated by the experimenter.
Field Experiment: Conducted in a setting which is the normal environment for the participant with regard to the behaviour they are performing

What is an experimental condition?

• One or more of the situations in an experiment which represent the different levels of the IV and are compared, either with one another or with the control condition.

• A situation in which the IV is absent. This is compared to the experimental conditions.

What is a control condition?

• One or more of the situations in an experiment which represent the different levels of the IV and are compared, either with one another or with the control condition.

• A situation in which the IV is absent. This is compared to the experimental conditions.

What is a questionnaire?

• A research method using verbal questions asked directly to the participants.

• A research method that involves asking questions, mainly written, to gain information from the participants.

What is an interview?

• A research method using verbal questions asked directly to the participants.

• A research method that involves asking questions, mainly written, to gain information from the participants.

What is a Likert Scale?

• Questions which allow the participant to give detailed answers without any restrictions.

• Questions which allow the participant to respond using a few, stated responses without the opportunity to expand on their answers.

• Questions asking whether the participant likes or dislikes something.

• Questions that require the participant to represent their answer on the numerical scale provided to them.

What is a Rating Scale?

• Questions which allow the participant to give detailed answers without any restrictions.

• Questions which allow the participant to respond using a few, stated responses without the opportunity to expand on their answers.

• Questions asking whether the participant likes or dislikes something.

• Questions that require the participant to represent their answer on the numerical scale provided to them.