The researcher
manipulates the IV in
order to see if it directly
affects the DV
All other variables are kept
constant/controlled/eliminated
Participants are
randomly allocated to
the experimental
conditions
Direct cause-and-effect relationships
between the IV and DV can be
found by eliminating and restricting
other variables
Lab and field experiments allow
researchers to force the pace of the
investigation as they don't have to wait for
the natural events to occur
Experiments generate quantitative data
which can be analysed and then generalised
& concluded
Participants used in some
experiments may be an
overrepresentation of gender and
culture - male uni students are often
used so results cannot be generalised
too far outside of the experiment