Field Experiments

The video discusses field experiments in psychology, using examples like Hofling's obedience study, Pilliavin's good Samaritan study, and Fisher's cognitive interview research. It explains the distinctiveness of field experiments, their strengths such as ecological validity, and limitations like potential confounding variables. The video also highlights why psychologists use field experiments and provides a summary of key points.

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes field experiments from other types of experiments?

• They are conducted in a laboratory setting.

• They are always conducted with university students.

• They involve manipulation of variables in real-world settings.

• They do not involve any manipulation of variables.

In Pilliavin's good Samaritan study, what was the main focus of observation?

• The time of day the experiment was conducted.

• The condition of the subway.

• The reaction of bystanders.

• The behavior of the confederate.

What was the independent variable in Fisher and Geiselman's study on cognitive interviews?

• The number of officers involved.

• The cognitive interview technique.

• The type of crime being investigated.

• The location of the police department.

Why might psychologists choose to conduct field experiments instead of laboratory experiments?

• Field experiments are always cheaper.

• They allow testing of hypotheses that can't be examined in a lab.

• They require fewer participants.

• They are easier to control.

What is one advantage of field experiments mentioned in the transcript?

• They are more reliable than lab experiments.

• They are less time-consuming.

• They have high ecological validity.

• They guarantee ethical compliance.

What is a major limitation of field experiments?

• They are always conducted in artificial settings.

• They have less control over confounding variables.

• They do not require ethical considerations.

• They are only applicable to psychological studies.

How do field experiments differ from naturalistic observations?

• Naturalistic observations are conducted in labs.

• Field experiments involve manipulation of variables.

• Field experiments do not involve any hypothesis testing.

• Naturalistic observations always involve deception.