... observing in natural habitats. By looking at past studies and experiments it is possible to see the materialisation of these advantages and disadvantages in the different methods of psychological investigation. A laboratory experiment is a frequent method of investigation and is favoured by many psychologists due to its high level of experimenter control and the ability to see the effect of a particular circumstance on behaviour. This method manipulates the independent variable in order to see its effect upon behaviour, often the dependent variable, in a specified condition. Though named a 'laboratory' experiment the actual testing need not take place in an actual laboratory environment. For any psychological investigation the need to allow for the chance of future replication is of great importance. At a later date other psychologists may want to repeat the experiment in order support, or even debunk previous findings. This particular method of investigation ...

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