A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is a feature of laboratory experiments?

1. Increase in participant variability

2. Lower reliability of results

3. Utility of informed consent

4. Reduced ability to establish causation

The correct answer is: Utility of informed consent

Laboratory experiments are characterized by a high degree of control over variables, allowing researchers to manipulate one or more independent variables while keeping others constant. This controlled environment increases the ability to establish causal relationships between variables. The option regarding the utility of informed consent is particularly relevant in laboratory settings. Informed consent is essential as it ensures participants understand the nature of the experiment, what it involves, and any potential risks before agreeing to take part. This ethical principle is prominent in laboratory research to protect participants and promote transparency in the research process. In contrast, other options reflect potential drawbacks or misconceptions about laboratory experiments. For example, participant variability typically decreases in laboratory settings due to the controlled conditions, and reliability is often heightened due to repeatable procedures. Establishing causation is one of the strengths of laboratory experiments, not a limitation. Therefore, the utility of informed consent aligns strongly with the ethical standards and methodologies prevalent in laboratory research.