Experiments have long been the method of choice in psychology. However, the experiment does have its limitations. Describe these limitations and explain why many psychologists have called for more field research
What will be an ideal response?
A good answer will include the following key points.
• One limitation of experiments is experimenter effects. That is, if participants know whether they are in the experimental or control group, their expectations may affect the results.
• A researcher's expectations can also influence the results of an experiment.
• If participants are not representative of the larger population of interest, the results cannot be generalized.
• Controlled experiments may result in artificial situations in which behavior is not normal and cannot be generalized to the real world.
• Field research can at least partially overcome this last objection.
You might also like to view...
Participants want to feel sure that their responses will be ____
a. graded fairly b. recorded accurately c. confidential d. not judged
Countless research studies have examined the correlation between the number of hours an adolescent works and problems they may experience
It is clear that when a teenager works beyond ____ hours a week problems arise, and beyond ____ hours a week the problems become considerably worse. a. 2; 10 b. 5; 15 c. 10; 20 d. 15; 30