A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What is a key feature of a field experiment?

1. It is conducted in a laboratory

2. It is focused on theoretical predictions

3. It allows for observation in a natural environment

4. It typically requires random assignment of subjects

The correct answer is: It allows for observation in a natural environment

A key feature of a field experiment is that it allows for observation in a natural environment. This type of experiment is designed to study behavior in real-world settings, which enhances ecological validity. By being conducted outside of a controlled laboratory environment, field experiments can capture how individuals behave in their everyday contexts. This method often leads to more genuine reactions and interactions than might be observed in a laboratory setting, where the environment can influence behavior due to its artificial conditions. In contrast, conducting an experiment in a laboratory completely avoids the natural context that field experiments embrace, and focusing on theoretical predictions does not inherently define the nature of the experimental setting itself. Random assignment can be a part of field experiments, but it is not exclusive to them and does not characterize the key feature that distinguishes them from laboratory experiments. Hence, the strength of a field experiment lies in its application to real-world scenarios, making option C the most accurate choice.