Researchers wanted to investigate whether low-frequency HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) hum influences the debugging efficiency of software developers. In a field experiment, 60 software developers were observed during their standard programming tasks in their actual open-plan office environments.
The researchers manipulated whether the HVAC system was set to a continuous low-frequency hum or run in a silent eco-mode. At the end of each session, the researchers measured debugging speed (time taken to resolve a set of standard bugs) and overall code accuracy.
Explain one strength of using a field experiment for this study.
638 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Methods. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.