Which of the following is a disadvantage of field experiments?

• A. More time consuming
• B. Need a skilled researcher
• C. Easy to replicate
• D. No ethical considerations

Answer: (B)

Field experiments in real-world settings boost ecological validity, but they come with less control over variables and more complexity. The biggest disadvantage is the need for a skilled researcher to design and run the study effectively: selecting settings that allow some control, randomizing conditions where possible, monitoring for confounds, ensuring ethical safeguards, and analyzing data appropriately despite the messier environment. Without that expertise, biases and uncontrolled factors creep in, and ethical issues can arise, undermining the study’s validity. The other options aren’t as accurate: replicating field work is typically harder, not easier, and field research does involve ethical considerations, not none. Time and resource demands can be greater, but the core challenge highlighted here is the requirement for skilled handling of real-world complexity.