Describe the structure of an experiment and distinguish between laboratory and natural experiments
What will be an ideal response?
An experiment is a carefully designed situation in which the researcher studies the impact of certain variables on subjects' attitudes and behavior. Experiments are designed to create "real life" situations, ideally under controlled circumstances, in which the influence of different variables can be modified and measured. Conventional experiments require that subjects be divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group contains the subjects who are exposed to an independent variable (the experimental condition) to study its effects on them. The control group contains the subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable.
The members of the two groups are matched for similar characteristics so that comparisons may be made between the groups. The experimental and control groups are then compared to see if they differ in relation to the dependent variable, and the hypothesis stating the relationship of the two variables is confirmed or rejected. In a laboratory experiment, subjects are studied in a closed setting so that researchers can maintain as much control as possible over the research. By contrast, natural experiments are real-life occurrences such as floods and other disasters that provide researchers with "living laboratories."
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A. conflicts of interest B. reliability of the data C. the high costs of money and time D. the privacy of the subjects
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Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
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