Limitations of Experiments

Limitations of experiments

The following vocabulary is the basis for

evaluating experimental studies. Although

there are other ways to evaluate research, all of the following concepts have to do with

how the research is carried out. In the language of psychology, we call these

methodological considerations.

Demand Characteristics

Open Ended

Demand characteristics: Expectancy effect

Open Ended

Demand characteristics: reactivity

Open Ended

Demand characteristics: screw you effect

Open Ended

Demand characteristics: social desirability effect

Open Ended

Demand characteristics: optimisism bias

Validity

Open Ended

Validity: researcher bias

Open Ended

Validity: construct validity

The concept that is being studied has an agreed-upon definition and can be measured.

Are you measuring what you say you are measuring?

Open Ended

Validity: internal validity

Internal validity refers to how well an experiment is done, especially whether it avoids the influence of outside or extraneous variables on the outcome of the study

Open Ended

Validity: ecological validity

Open Ended

Validity: population validity

Ecological validity is a type of external validity that looks at the experimental environment and determines how much it influences behavior.

Order Effects

Open Ended

Order effects: fatigue effect

Open Ended

Order effects: interference effect

Open Ended

Order effects: practice effect

Open Ended

Order effects: boredom