The Field Experiment
An obvious alternative to conducting an experiment in the laboratory is to conduct it
“in the field”.
Why did Psychologists need an alternative to the laboratory?
In the last few decades, many psychologists have become disaffected with the
laboratory as solely appropriate for psychology research and have concentrated
more on field research.
What is a field experiment?
Field experiments are controlled experimental investigations carried out in the
natural environment of those being studied, rather than in an artificial laboratory
environment.
What type of laboratory experiment?
o The Home
o The School
o Local Street
o Library
o Public Transport
o Hospital
o Factory
Are there any similarities between the laboratory and the field experiment?
As with the laboratory experiment, the independent variable is still deliberately
manipulated by the researcher and behaviour observed.
, Strengths of the field experiment
1. Improved Ecological Validity
An advantage of the field experiment is that:
The independent variable is investigated in a natural context.
Example?
A number of obedience experiments have been carried out in natural
experiments.
Research assistants dressed in uniforms have approached people to see if
they will follow requests, say, to pick up litter or give money to strangers.
Why is improved ecological validity a strength?
This gives findings more ecological validity as the people are more likely to
behave as they normally would do.
2. Reduction of Demand Characteristics
The field experiment will not involve the apprehension and artificiality of the
laboratory.
Why does it not?
Participants may be unaware of taking part, and if this is the case, demand
characteristics may be minimized.
An obvious alternative to conducting an experiment in the laboratory is to conduct it
“in the field”.
Why did Psychologists need an alternative to the laboratory?
In the last few decades, many psychologists have become disaffected with the
laboratory as solely appropriate for psychology research and have concentrated
more on field research.
What is a field experiment?
Field experiments are controlled experimental investigations carried out in the
natural environment of those being studied, rather than in an artificial laboratory
environment.
What type of laboratory experiment?
o The Home
o The School
o Local Street
o Library
o Public Transport
o Hospital
o Factory
Are there any similarities between the laboratory and the field experiment?
As with the laboratory experiment, the independent variable is still deliberately
manipulated by the researcher and behaviour observed.
, Strengths of the field experiment
1. Improved Ecological Validity
An advantage of the field experiment is that:
The independent variable is investigated in a natural context.
Example?
A number of obedience experiments have been carried out in natural
experiments.
Research assistants dressed in uniforms have approached people to see if
they will follow requests, say, to pick up litter or give money to strangers.
Why is improved ecological validity a strength?
This gives findings more ecological validity as the people are more likely to
behave as they normally would do.
2. Reduction of Demand Characteristics
The field experiment will not involve the apprehension and artificiality of the
laboratory.
Why does it not?
Participants may be unaware of taking part, and if this is the case, demand
characteristics may be minimized.
