ABSTRACT
This chapter covers experimental considerations for undertaking research in both laboratory spaces and via the web. This chapter aims to provide readers with nuanced information on the comparative benefits and drawbacks of lab- and web-based testing. The chapter covers a brief background on developments in computer-based, and especially web-based, experimental approaches, followed by a presentation of core concepts required to judge whether a given experiment is more suitable for lab- or web-based environments, then discussions of the strengths and weaknesses of lab-based and web-based experiments in turn. Based on the discussion in this chapter, readers should be able to identify when they must use a lab-based approach (e.g., when specialised lab-only equipment is required) or web-based approach (e.g., when participants must be recruited internationally in a short time-frame) and, when no hard requirement exists, how to navigate and select the approach that more properly addresses their current research needs.
