Lesson 3.1.4.4.2

3.1.4.4.2 Laboratory, field and natural experiments Quiz: AQA Psychology, Unit 4

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.1.4.4.2, Laboratory, field and natural experiments: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Psychology (8182), Unit 4: Research methods, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which experimental method takes place in a highly controlled artificial environment?

    • Natural experiment
    • Field experiment
    • Quasi experiment
    • Laboratory experiment

  2. Which experiment type has the lowest level of researcher control over extraneous variables?

    • Field experiment
    • Controlled trial
    • Natural experiment
    • Lab experiment

  3. Who or what changes the independent variable in a natural experiment?

    • Naturally occurring event
    • The participants
    • An independent observer
    • The lead researcher

  4. What is a major disadvantage of conducting laboratory experiments in psychological research?

    • Poor standardisation
    • Low ecological validity
    • No control over IV
    • High researcher bias

  5. Which experimental method provides the best balance of control and realism in a real-world setting?

    • Lab experiment
    • Pilot study
    • Natural experiment
    • Field experiment

  6. What is a key advantage of a field experiment over a lab experiment?

    • Higher ecological validity
    • Lower ethical risk
    • Better variable control
    • Easier replication

  7. What is a major limitation of conducting a field experiment?

    • Poor mundane realism
    • High artificiality
    • Less variable control
    • Low ecological validity

  8. What is a primary advantage of using a natural experiment in psychology?

    • Easy replication
    • No extraneous variables
    • High variable control
    • Enables ethical research

  9. What is a major limitation of a natural experiment?

    • High artificiality
    • Severe ethical issues
    • No control over IV
    • Low mundane realism

  10. A researcher times how long people take to get served in a shop before and after a sign is put up. Which type of experiment is this?

    • A case study
    • A field experiment
    • A matched pairs design
    • A laboratory experiment

  11. A study compares health outcomes in two towns, one of which had a factory close naturally. Which type of experiment is this?

    • A natural experiment
    • An interview study
    • A laboratory experiment
    • A field experiment

  12. A researcher asks participants to complete a memory test in a sound-proofed room with the same conditions for everyone. Which type is this?

    • A field experiment
    • A laboratory experiment
    • A natural experiment
    • An observation study

  13. Why might a psychologist choose a field experiment instead of a lab experiment?

    • To increase control
    • To lower costs
    • To increase realism
    • To ensure replication

  14. What type of validity is typically highest in a well-conducted laboratory experiment?

    • Ecological validity
    • Population validity
    • Internal validity
    • External validity

  15. Which term describes how well research findings generalise to real-life settings?

    • Temporal validity
    • Population validity
    • Ecological validity
    • Internal validity

  16. What is the main advantage of a natural experiment compared to a lab experiment?

    • Higher ecological validity
    • Higher internal control
    • Fewer confounding variables
    • Easier replication

  17. Which term describes a limitation of lab experiments in reflecting real-life behaviour?

    • Low ecological validity
    • Low reliability
    • Demand characteristics
    • Observer bias

  18. In a natural experiment, how is the independent variable changed?

    • Naturally occurring event
    • Kept completely constant
    • Manipulated by researcher
    • Randomly assigned

  19. What term describes a study that yields consistent results when repeated?

    • Validity
    • Subjectivity
    • Generalisability
    • Reliability

  20. Which ethical advantage do lab experiments usually have over field experiments?

    • Higher ecological validity
    • More natural behaviour
    • Easier informed consent
    • No demand characteristics

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