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Laboratory, field and natural experiments
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In an experiment, the researcher looks at the effect of an IV on a DV. There are three types, depending on where it happens and who controls the IV.
Three types of experiment
Field experiment: in a natural, everyday setting (such as a street, school or train). The researcher still manipulates the IV. Example: Piliavin et al (1969) staged collapses on a New York subway train.
Natural experiment: the IV occurs naturally: the researcher does not manipulate it, just measures its effect. Example: Charlton et al (2000) studied the arrival of TV on St Helena.
Strengths and weaknesses
Telling them apart
1. Did the researcher change the IV? If no, it is a natural experiment.
2. If yes, was it in an artificial setting or a real-life one? Artificial: laboratory. Real life: field.
Researchers compare children's reading scores in schools before and after a new national phonics policy is introduced by the government. What type of experiment is this?
- The government introduced the policy, not the researcher, so the IV occurred naturally.
- So it is a natural experiment.
Answer: A natural experiment.
Lab experiments manipulate the IV in a controlled setting (high control and reliability, low ecological validity). Field experiments manipulate the IV in a natural setting (more realistic, less control). Natural experiments study an IV that occurs naturally (realistic and ethical, but cause and effect is uncertain).
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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