Explain one strength of using laboratory experiments in research.

How to approach this question

Identify a key strength of lab experiments (e.g., control, replicability). Then, briefly explain why this is a strength. For example, if you choose 'control', explain what this control allows the researcher to do (e.g., establish cause and effect).

Full Answer

One strength of laboratory experiments is that they have high internal validity. This is because the researcher has a high level of control over extraneous variables, which means they can be more confident that any change in the dependent variable was caused by the manipulation of the independent variable, and not some other factor.

Laboratory experiments are a cornerstone of scientific research in psychology. Their main advantage is the high degree of control they afford the researcher. By conducting the study in a controlled environment, the researcher can manipulate the independent variable (IV) while keeping other potential confounding or extraneous variables constant. This careful control makes it possible to isolate the effect of the IV on the dependent variable (DV), allowing for the establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship. This is known as high internal validity. Another related strength is replicability; because the procedure is highly standardised, other researchers can repeat the experiment to check the reliability of the findings.

Common mistakes

Stating a strength without explaining it (e.g., just writing 'good control'). Confusing strengths with weaknesses (e.g., mentioning low ecological validity).

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Explain one strength of using laboratory experiments in research.

How to approach this question

Full Answer

Common mistakes

Practice the full AQA GCSE Psychology Paper 1

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