Researchers wanted to investigate whether receiving frequent notifications on a smartwatch influences the level of active listening during collaborative working. In a field experiment, 80 pairs of colleagues were observed during a 15-minute collaborative task in their actual workplace breakout spaces.
The researchers manipulated whether one colleague's smartwatch vibrated intermittently (simulating notifications) or did not vibrate at all during the task. At the end of the session, researchers measured active listening indicators and task performance scores.
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.