AQA GCSE Psychology · 8182
Paper 1, Paper 2
A research method in which the researcher manipulates an independent variable and measures a dependent variable in participants’ natural setting.
Revise: Choosing and Evaluating Research MethodsIn laboratory and field experiments, the researcher changes the IV and measures the DV. For example, a researcher could vary background noise and measure the number of words recalled. Other influences, such as the time allowed to learn the words, are extraneous variables: they must be controlled as far as possible so they do not provide an alternative explanation.
- Revise: Prosocial Behaviour
An experiment carried out in a natural setting in which researchers manipulate an independent variable and measure its effect on a dependent variable.