Which characteristic is a strength of a field experiment?

A field experiment's strength lies in its reduced likelihood of demand characteristics. This is because field experiments are conducted in natural settings rather than controlled laboratory environments. When participants are unaware that they are part of an experiment, they are less likely to alter their behavior based on perceived expectations or cues from the researchers. This can lead to more authentic and generalizable responses, which is particularly beneficial in psychological research where natural behavior is often of interest.

In contrast, high control over the environment, while beneficial in some experimental designs, is generally a characteristic of laboratory experiments rather than field experiments. Field experiments typically have less control over extraneous variables, which is why they can be more challenging to replicate and ensure the same conditions across different trials. Additionally, replication can be difficult due to the unique circumstances present in each field setting. Increased artificiality in behavior is typically a concern in laboratory experiments, where controlled conditions may not reflect real-world situations, unlike field experiments that aim to capture behavior in a more natural context. Thus, reduced likelihood of demand characteristics is a defining strength of field experiments.