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1: Laboratory Experiments

We see a laboratory experiment on attraction in progress. Psychologists explain they are interested in whether the context in which we see someone influences our view of their attractiveness. Two groups of subjects look at the same set of pictures, but the environment is very different for each group. One group are well treated and make their selection in comfort, while participants in the other group are kept waiting and make their selection in a dank, noisy basement room. Will the different contexts influence their grading? In the process we see some of the benefits and drawbacks of the laboratory experiment as it happens.

2: Field Experiments

Here we see psychologists researching the same issue of the effect of environment on attraction, but this time they are using a field experiment design. Participants in one group are taken to an up-market bar, while those in the other group are kept waiting in a dull coffee bar where they make their selection. Some of the benefits and drawbacks of field experiments are identified.

3: Experimental Methods: Some Common Issues

Using material from the two experiments and expert analysis, we explore some of the issues common to all experimental methods: demand characteristics, ethical issues and reductionism. We then ask about the future of experimental methods in psychology. The programme concludes with advice from Phil Banyard on answering questions on non-experimental methods.