Experiments are a scientific approach to research that aim to observe cause-and-effect relationships under controlled conditions. There are two main types: laboratory experiments, which take place in a controlled laboratory setting, and field experiments, which observe behavior in natural real-world settings. Positivists support experiments because they generate measurable, quantifiable data that can objectively explore social forces and behaviors in a replicable way. However, laboratory experiments lack validity and raise ethical questions, while field experiments have less control over variables.

1. Experiments The positivist paradise