3.5 Lab vs field research | Quantitative methods | Research Designs | UvA

Summary

This script delves into the intricacies of conducting rigorous experimental research, emphasizing the importance of manipulating independent variables and controlling extraneous ones to ensure internal validity. It highlights the role of laboratory settings in providing the necessary control for such studies, contrasting the artificiality of lab environments with the need for experimental realism. The script also touches on the concept of ecological validity, illustrating the trade-offs between lab and field research, and how each can maximize different aspects of validity in social science experiments.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Rigorous investigation of causal hypotheses requires manipulation of the independent variable and control of extraneous variables.
• 🧪 Experimental studies with high control are often conducted in laboratories to maximize internal validity.
• 🌐 In social sciences, a lab is an environment entirely under the researcher's control, not just a room with scientific equipment.
• 🛋️ Lab settings can be simple or complex, tailored to the needs of the study, such as a room for computerized tests or one designed for observing children's reactions.
• 🎯 While lab research has high internal validity, it may have low ecological validity, meaning it might not closely resemble real-world conditions.
• 🤔 Ecological validity refers to how closely a lab setting approximates real-world experiences of a phenomenon.
• 💼 Even with low ecological validity, lab experiments can still effectively manipulate and measure constructs, leading to meaningful results.
• 🌐 Field research, conducted outside the lab, allows for observation of natural behavior but may lack the control and internal validity of lab studies.
• 🔄 Both lab and field research have their strengths and weaknesses, and they can complement each other in understanding complex phenomena.
• 📊 Experimental realism in a lab setting involves finding a balance between simulating natural phenomena and maintaining control over the experimental conditions.

Q & A

What is the primary requirement for a rigorous investigation of a causal hypothesis?

A rigorous investigation of a causal hypothesis requires manipulation of the independent variable and control of extraneous variables, keeping them constant across conditions.

Why is a laboratory setting often used for experimental research?

A laboratory setting is often used for experimental research because it allows for a high degree of control over the setting and circumstances, which maximizes internal validity.

How is a lab defined in the context of social sciences?

In social sciences, a lab is defined as an environment that is entirely under the researcher's control, which could be as simple as a room with minimal distractions for conducting experiments.

What is meant by 'internal validity' in research?

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study's design and execution allow for confident conclusions about the causal relationships between variables.

What is 'ecological validity' and why is it sometimes questioned in lab studies?

Ecological validity, or mundane realism, refers to how closely a lab setting approximates real-world conditions. It is sometimes questioned because lab settings may not accurately represent the complexities of real-life scenarios.

How does a researcher ensure experimental realism in a lab setting?

Researchers ensure experimental realism by creating an experimental translation of the phenomena as it occurs naturally, despite the artificiality of the lab environment.

What is an example of how a lab study might manipulate self-confidence to study its effect on negotiating skills?

In a lab study, researchers might manipulate self-confidence by making a subtle derogatory remark about a participant's intelligence before having them engage in a computer-simulated salary negotiation.

Why might a lab study have low ecological validity but still be valuable?

A lab study might have low ecological validity but still be valuable because it can effectively manipulate and measure constructs within a controlled environment, which can lead to generalizable findings despite the artificial setting.

What is the difference between lab research and field research in terms of control and natural behavior?

Lab research offers high control over variables but may limit natural behavior, while field research observes natural behavior in uncontrolled environments, potentially sacrificing control for more realistic data.

How can field research complement lab research in terms of validity?

Field research can complement lab research by maximizing external validity, observing behavior in real-world settings, and providing a more natural context that lab research might lack.

What ethical considerations might arise when conducting field research on self-confidence and negotiating skills?

Ethical considerations in field research might include the potential for deception, the impact of experimental manipulation on participants' self-esteem, and ensuring informed consent.