Give one advantage and one disadvantage of laboratory experiments.

A question like this is likely to be worth 2-4 marks. In order to answer the question fully, you will need to state the advantage or disadvantage and then explain your reasoning.

An advantage of laboratory experiements are that they allow the experimenter to have greater control over the variables which increase reliabiity because you can be more confident that the independent variable is the only factor influencing the dependent variable. 

A disadvantage of laboratory experiments are demand characteristics. The participants may be aware that they are participating in an experiment and therefore may behave differently to how they would typically behave. This reduces the validity of the study. 

RD
Answered by Rhiannon D. Psychology tutor

23459 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can normative social influence be used as an explanation of conformity?


Explain two differences between procedural memory and episodic memory. (2017 AQA exam question)


Two types of long-term memory are procedural memory and episodic memory. Explain two differences between procedural memory and episodic memory. (4 marks)


What is a case study and why might a psychologist choose to use this research method?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning