What is the difference between a lab and field experiment?

A lab experiment is conducted in a well-controlled environment - not necessarily a laboratory - and therefore accurate and objective measurements are possible. The researchers decides where the experiment will take place, at what time, with which participants, in what circumstances and using a standardised procedure. On the other hand, field experiments are conducted in the everyday (i.e. natural) environment of the participants but the situations are still artificially set up. The experimenter still manipulates the IV, but in a real-life setting (so cannot control extraneous variables).

Answered by Alana B. Psychology tutor

24611 Views

See similar Psychology GCSE tutors

Related Psychology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is stratified sampling?


Briefly outline two of the monocular depth cues shown in Figure 1. Explain how each cue you have identified helps us to perceive the distance of objects in this image. (4 marks).


Explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 reasoning, and whether they cooperate or contradict each other.


Freud studied the process of dreamwork but it is very difficult to investigate. Explain why dreamwork is difficult to investigate.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences