What enhances the replicability of a laboratory experiment?

Control over external variables significantly enhances the replicability of a laboratory experiment because it allows researchers to isolate the effects of the independent variable being manipulated. When external variables are minimized or controlled, it provides a clearer understanding of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. This control enables other researchers to duplicate the study under the same conditions, increasing the likelihood that they will obtain similar results if the experiment is performed as originally designed.

In contrast, naturalistic observation lacks the controlled environment of a laboratory setting, making it challenging to replicate findings due to the influence of uncontrolled variables. Qualitative measures can provide rich detail but are often subjective and variable, leading to difficulties in replicability since they can yield different interpretations. Subjective participant feedback can introduce bias and variability, which further complicates the ability to replicate study findings accurately. Thus, controlling external variables is key to ensuring that the results of an experiment can be reproduced consistently across different scenarios.