Experiments in natural settings are likely to differ from laboratory experiments on four critical dimensions: goals, control, external validity, and consequences. Briefly describe the nature of the difference for each of these four dimensions.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Experiments done in natural settings are intended most often to meet the goals of applied research, gaining knowledge that will modify or improve the present situation. Laboratory experiments are intended most often to meet the goal of basic research, gaining knowledge for knowledge's sake. Experiments in natural settings do not usually allow the degree of control that is possible in laboratory experiments, such as control over how participants are assigned to conditions. The high degree of control in laboratory research enhances the internal validity of the experiment at the price of external validity. Experiments done in natural settings usually provide a stronger basis for the external validity of the study's findings than is the case for laboratory experiments. The consequences of research in natural settings are typically much greater than those of laboratory experiments. Experiments in natural settings can have consequences for a large number of people whose lives are affected while laboratory experiments directly affect only a few researchers and relatively few participants.