ABSTRACT
The field and the laboratory In the last chapter we saw that the misused term ‘ecological validity’ had something to do with a comparison of the laboratory and the field in psychological research. Remember that the laboratory is used for the scientific purpose of controlling extraneous variables. The psychology laboratory does not usually contain the stereotypical lab equipment of retort stands and bubbling bottles. The psychological researcher’s laboratory may include interview rooms, group discussion rooms, a soundproof room or even a toddlers’ nursery, though some psychological laboratories often do contain technical equipment and computers. The term ‘laboratory’ is used, however, where the research participants come to the premises of the psychologist in a controlled environment.
