Sociology · Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 12 · Question 1

Laboratory experiments are a type of methodology used in sociology. Positivists argue laboratory experiments are the only method where causation can be proved. However, the method is rarely used because of practical issues such as cost and ethical issues such as informed consent and harm. One example of a laboratory experiment was controversial because it experimented on children and how they learn aggressive behaviour. In this experiment a sample of 36 boys and 36 girls aged between 3 and 6 were selected. The children were observed before the experiment began so researchers could rate how aggressive each child was. Four groups of children were compared in the experiment in order to measure the effects of watching violent behaviour. The three groups who were shown violence went on to imitate the violent behaviour. The fourth group was not shown any violence and did not behave aggressively in the experiment. The experiment was highly standardised and able to be repeated. In the laboratory researchers were able to control variables to make comparisons and gather objective data. The conclusion of the study was that children who see violence are more likely to behave violently. Source A

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