AQA Psychology – Research Methods Practice Test 2026 - Free Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a lab experiment, the study occurs in a controlled environment where the researcher deliberately manipulates the independent variable and measures the dependent variable while keeping extraneous variables under strict control. This combination is what allows researchers to infer cause-and-effect, since changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other factors. The description that fits best mentions a controlled setting, explicit manipulation of the IV, recording the DV, and tight control of extraneous variables. The other descriptions describe different methods: a natural, uncontrolled environment points to a field study; an observational study involves no manipulation of the IV; a laboratory survey focuses on collecting self-reported data rather than testing causal effects through manipulation.