Psychologists carry out experiments both in the laboratory and in the field (the outside world).
Both methods involve the manipulation of an independent variable (iv) and the measurement of a dependent variable (dv).
Experimental method is more controlled than other methods allowing Psychologists to claim that behaviour is a result of the independent variable. (cause and effect)
Advantages
- Manipulation of the independent variable under controlled conditions allows cause and effect to be inferred, although there is less control in field experiment.
- Easy to replicate due to standardised procedure
- More accurate data collected
- Data is more objective than other methods
Disadvantages
- Experiments are artificial environments which may produce artificial behaviour.
- Field experiments are less artificial and therefore they are more ecologically valid.
- Ethical Problems over deception, consent, invasion of privacy, potential harm etc.
