1. Introduction to Experiments

2. Types of Research Method
A non-experimental method is one where no manipulation of variables takes place. The ones we will be looking at are
Correlations
Observations
Questionnaires and interviews
Case studies.

3. Types of Research Method
An experimental method is any research method where one variable is manipulated by the researcher, and the change on another variable is measured (the IV and the DV). The three that we will be looking at are:
Laboratory experiments
Field experiments
Natural/quasi experiments

4. YOUR TURN p136
Define the following words using p136 (leave a few lines after each for additions during feedback)
Hypothesis
Dependent Variable
Operationalised
Independent Variable
Conditions
Extraneous Variables

5. Lab Experiment It takes place in a controlled, artificial setting.
Standardised procedures are used
The experimenter will be manipulating at lease one independent variable, and measuring at least one dependent variable.
Therefore, there will be two or more conditions.
The participants know that they are in a study, although, they may be deceived about its true aims.

6. Field Experiment More natural environment
So, less control than lab experiment
IV manipulated by experimenter
Participants often don’t know they are in a study

7. Natural Experiment More natural environment
IV NOT manipulated by experimenter – it occurs naturally

8. Lab studies
Think back to PY1. Which of the studies we looked at were laboratory studies?

9. Experimental Designs p137
Using the Blue Box on p137 define and give examples of the following 3 experimental designs :
Independent Measures
Repeated Measures
Matched Pairs

10. Strengths and weaknesses of lab studies
We will look at these in comparison to other types of experiment.