Experimental Method in Psychology

What is the main purpose of the experimental method in psychology?

• To observe natural behaviors

• To conduct surveys

• To establish cause-and-effect relationships

• To collect qualitative data

Which of the following is a key feature of a laboratory experiment?

• No manipulation of variables

• Highly controlled conditions

• Participants are aware they are being studied

• Conducted in a natural setting

What is a limitation of laboratory experiments?

• Artificiality of the setting

• Easy to replicate

• Precise control of variables

• High ecological validity

In a field experiment, what is a common strength?

• Easy to replicate

• Behavior reflects real life

• Participants are aware of the study

• High control over extraneous variables

What is a natural experiment?

• An experiment with high control over variables

• An experiment conducted in a lab

• An experiment with manipulated variables

• An experiment observing naturally occurring events

Which term describes the degree to which an investigation represents real-life experiences?

• Ecological validity

• Experimenter effects

• Demand characteristics

• Random allocation

What is the role of the independent variable in an experiment?

• It is a variable that is ignored

• It is a variable that is controlled

• It is the outcome measured

• It is the variable manipulated by the experimenter

What is a confounding variable?

• A variable that is measured

• A variable that is controlled

• A variable that is manipulated

• A variable that affects the results apart from the IV

What is random allocation?

• Randomly assigning participants to different conditions

• Assigning participants based on their preferences

• Assigning participants based on their performance

• Allowing participants to choose their group

What is an example of an order effect?

• Random allocation

• Ecological validity

• Practice effect

• Demand characteristics