Laboratory experiments

Definition

Laboratory experiments are controlled studies conducted in a setting specifically designed for research, where researchers manipulate variables to observe their effects on certain outcomes. These experiments allow for precise measurement and control of conditions, which helps in establishing causal relationships between variables. The controlled environment reduces external influences, making it easier to identify the effects of the manipulated variable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Laboratory experiments are often favored for their ability to control extraneous variables, leading to more reliable results.
2. They typically involve random assignment of participants to different conditions, which helps mitigate biases.
3. These experiments can be replicated easily due to their standardized nature, enhancing the validity of findings.
4. While they provide strong evidence of causality, laboratory experiments may lack ecological validity as they often do not reflect real-world scenarios.
5. Ethical considerations are crucial in laboratory experiments, particularly when human subjects are involved, requiring informed consent and adherence to safety protocols.

Review Questions

• How do laboratory experiments establish causal relationships between variables?
  • Laboratory experiments establish causal relationships by manipulating the independent variable and observing changes in the dependent variable while controlling for extraneous factors. This control allows researchers to isolate the effects of the independent variable, making it clear whether changes in the dependent variable are a direct result of that manipulation. Random assignment further strengthens these conclusions by reducing biases and ensuring that any observed effects can be attributed to the experimental treatment.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using laboratory experiments compared to field experiments in applied research.
  • Laboratory experiments offer advantages such as greater control over variables and the ability to replicate studies easily, leading to more precise findings about cause-and-effect relationships. However, they may lack ecological validity because the artificial setting can influence participant behavior and responses, making results less applicable to real-world situations. In contrast, field experiments provide more naturalistic environments but often face challenges in controlling extraneous variables, which can complicate the interpretation of results.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when designing laboratory experiments involving human participants.
  • When designing laboratory experiments with human participants, ethical considerations are paramount. Researchers must ensure informed consent, meaning participants fully understand the nature of the experiment and any potential risks involved before agreeing to take part. Additionally, researchers should minimize harm and discomfort while maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of participant data. Compliance with institutional review boards (IRBs) is also essential to ensure that all ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process.

Related terms

Independent Variable: The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable: The variable that is measured and affected in an experiment, which changes in response to the independent variable.

Control Group: A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested, used as a benchmark to measure how the other groups compare.