Psychology questions

Question

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply (partial credit will not be awarded for selecting only some of the correct responses).

	Laboratory experiments are capable of showing that an outcome (dependent variable) has been caused by an experimental manipulation (independent variable).
	Field experiments allow researchers to examine people's behaviours in a natural setting.
	Laboratory experiments have higher internal validity than field experiments.
	Both experimental and correlational methods allow researchers to establish a cause-effect relationship.

Answer 1

Let's break down these statements and analyze the truth (or lack thereof) in each, in order to help you understand why these statements are or are not true.

Laboratory experiments are capable of showing that an outcome (dependent variable) has been caused by an experimental manipulation (independent variable).

Let's start with what a laboratory experiment is in psychology: the manipulation of an independent variable and the observation of its effects on a pre-identified dependent variable (often a change in behavior). They are often carried out in highly controlled conditions to allow for measurements that are as accurate as possible. Laboratory experiments do show the change in the dependent variable has been caused by changes in the independent variable.

Field experiments allow researchers to examine people's behaviours in a natural setting

What are field experiments in psychology? These are experiments that are carried out in the everyday environment of the experiment's participants. However, carrying out experiments in real-life settings makes it difficult for researchers to control extraneous variables.

Laboratory experiments have higher internal validity than field experiments

Let's begin with the definition of internal validity: the extent that your study can rule out other explanations for the results - that it measures what it claims to measure. (External validity, on the other hand, is the extent to which your study's results can be generalized). Internal validity can be strengthened in an experiment by controlling extraneous variables, standardizing instructions for participants, and eliminating investigator effects. Given the factors that strengthen internal validity are easier to control in a laboratory setting, it is safe to say that they have higher internal validity than field experiments.

Both experimental and correlational methods allow researchers to establish a cause-effect relationship.

This last one, we're going to walk you through how to get to the answer yourself:

Let's start by asking ourselves, "What are experimental and correlational methods?" Identifying the key aspects of each method - as well as the key differences - will allow you to come to an answer.

If you need further assistance (or just want to double check you got the right answer), let me know.

Answer 2

All but the last option are true. Just because there are correlations it does not mean that X causes Y. For example, murder rates and ice cream sales are positively correlated, but that doesn't mean more ice cream causes more murder. Both just happen to increase when the weather gets warm. Only well-controlled experimental designs allow for accurate conclusions about cause and effect. To achieve this, it must be done in a location where one can show no outside factors influenced the results.