Question

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of experimental method as a method of enquiry.

Answer 1

The strengths and weaknesses of experimental method as a method of enquiry are:

Strengths

It provides a relatively convincing evidence of a cause-effect relationship between two or more variables.

The extraneous variables can be eliminated from the laboratory.

It can minimise the sequence effect with the help of counter-balancing technique.

It eliminates any potential systematic differences between groups by giving random assignment to groups of participants. This is done to help in framing the conclusion without any assumption.

Weaknesses

The highly controlled laboratory situation only simulates the conditions of the outer world.

The results of the experiments cannot be generally applied to real situations, thus field experiments are required in such situations.

It is not always feasible to study a particular problem experimentally.

It is difficult to know and control all the relevant variables, particularly in field experiments. Many variables cannot be manipulated in laboratory settings.

Answer 2

Strengths and weaknesses of experimental method as a method of enquiry.

Explanation:

• An experimental method is a prime choice for any scientific research or inquiry.
• The main principle in experiments is to manipulate the causal factor or the independent variable and measure the dependent variable or the effect along with control of other extraneous variables.

• Strengths of the experimental method :

1. Standardized procedures are used, hence easy to replicate, especially the lab experiments
2. High level of control of variables: Independent variables and extraneous data can be controlled precisely to establish the cause-effect relationship accurately and provides high internal validity
3. Lab experiments can utilize large or complex equipment  
4. Field or natural experiments are done in natural settings and can be related to real-life situations  

• Weaknesses of the experimental method

1. The lab setting can be strange or unusual to the participant and may create behavioural changes which may bias the results, reduce internal validity, and may not indicate the reality
2. Demand characteristics can arise due to participants being aware of being tested and hide their true behaviour which may provide inaccurate data or results
3. Ecological validity or reality with real-life will be less due to the artificial surrounding in a laboratory
4. The examiner’s expectations can influence the participant’s behaviour