A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an example of experimental research methods?

1. Laboratory

2. Field

3. Correlational

4. Natural / Quasi

The correct answer is: Correlational

The correct answer, correlational research, is not considered an experimental research method because it does not involve manipulation of variables or assignment of participants to different conditions in order to observe the effects of one variable on another. Instead, correlational research focuses on identifying relationships or associations between variables, often through observational techniques or gathering data without intervention. In contrast, laboratory research involves controlled settings where variables can be systematically manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Field research allows for observation or experimentation in real-world situations, providing more ecological validity but still based on the manipulation of variables. Natural or quasi-experimental methods involve the study of effect in naturally occurring groups without random assignment, but still retain an experimental element through the comparison of groups affected by different conditions. Thus, correlational research is distinct as it aims to establish relationships rather than causation, hence making it the option that is not aligned with experimental research methods.