Question

Unswer these questions from why science and Reseach Design.

1)Identify limitations of the traditional laboratory experiment.

2)Explain ways in which daily life reseach can further psychological science.

Know what methodes exist for conducting psychological reaseach in the real world.

Answer 1

Laboratory experiments are experiments or research studies conducted in controlled environments, so as to strictly measure the effects of independent variables on the dependent variables, and understand the cause and effect relationships. Laboratory experiments also help in forecasting the future conditions of the dependent variables. But laboratory experiments also have disadvantages. These experiments do not possess external validity. A laboratory experiment is conducted in an artificial environment of a laboratory, which is different from real-life environment. Therefore, the outcomes of experiments may not be successful in predicting participant's reactions or behaviors in real life. Laboratory experiments involve disinformation and may not be conducted with informed consent. Subjects are often deceived in a laboratory experiment. This is because if they will know the true nature of the experiment, they may alter or modify their responses. Laboratory experiments may also be unethical. They may cause harm to the participants. There are also many other considerations, when it comes to laboratory experiments. One may not be able to conduct an experiment on innumerable number of participants (like a subculture or a community) in the small scale setting of a laboratory. As laboratory experiments are extremely controlled, it is only possible to test one person at a time. Therefore, laboratory experiments take a long period of time to get completed.

There are various methods for conducting psychological reaseach or daily life reseach in the real world. Experience sampling method is utilized in the study of day-to-day behavior. In this method, the subjects reveal their momentary thoughts, feelings and behaviors on a particular day, at varying points of time. In the naturalistic observation methodology, participants are provided a portable audio recorder. This recorder has been developed to record short fragments of ambient sounds, at regular intervals. Participants are instructed to attach the recorder to themselves and give it back to the researcher, when the study ends. Time-lapse photography is another method of studying the flow of people and the utilization of space in urban public areas. Time-lapse photography has been utilized to observe and analyze people’s personal and professional spaces. This helped in comprehending the expressions of personality and its disclosure in everyday life. Time-lapse photography has also been used to gather data on garbage in order to measure what people exactly consumed, instead of what they say they consume. The diary method helps in recording the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the subjects at the end of the day, via a questionnaire. Ecological momentary assessment helps in frequently recording the real-life experiences, behavior and physiology of subjects in real time. The day reconstruction method (DRM) helps in the retrospective revelations of the experiences and behaviors of a particular day, post a systematic and experiential reconstruction on the next day.