How do I evaluate [X]?

The psychology A-level specifications expect students to critically evaluate the experimental design and validity of the studies that they have been looking at throughout the year. This question has a similar answer for each study that it could be asked about. There are a number of things that one can look at with the experimental design of a study. The student should learn the various pro's and con's of the basic methodologies used in psychology, something that will be taught to them throughout the academic year. Once they have, they can ask whether the con's of this methodology have been controlled for in this study. For example, if the downside to a lab experiment is artificiality, the student must ask if the participants in this study which used a lab experiment were in an artificial environment. If yes, this is a criticism. A good jumping off point to start an evaluative question is to ask whether the student believes the results of the study are coherent with what they know about the world. This can direct the evaluation, as given the number of methodological elements there is already an overwhelming amount to talk about before thinking about positive or negative evaluation.