laboratory research

scientific study conducted in a laboratory or other such workplace, where the investigator has some degree of direct control over the environment and can manipulate the independent variables. Although laboratory research generally has greater internal validity than field research does, it tends to be less generalizable to the real world (i.e., has less external validity). See experimental research.

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Psychology term of the day

February 24th 2025

simple structure

in exploratory factor analysis, a set of criteria for determining the adequacy of a factor rotation solution. These criteria require that each factor show a pattern of high factor loadings on certain variables and near-zero loadings on others and that each variable load on only one factor. This minimizes the complexity of the factor solution, allows each variable to be most strongly identified with a specific factor, and increases interpretability.