What type of experiment takes place in a natural setting, within which the researcher manipulates the IV?

A field experiment is characterized by taking place in a natural setting while allowing the researcher to manipulate the independent variable (IV). This type of experiment provides a more realistic context than a laboratory setting, making the findings potentially more applicable to real-world situations. The manipulation of the IV in a natural environment can lead to more genuine responses from participants and reveal interactions that might not be identifiable in a controlled laboratory space.

In a laboratory experiment, the conditions are tightly controlled, which allows for precise manipulation of variables but often lacks ecological validity since it may not mimic real-world scenarios. A controlled experiment also typically suggests a laboratory context, wherein all variables except the IV are kept constant to ascertain cause-and-effect relationships, but again, it does not benefit from the natural interactions found in field settings.

A longitudinal study focuses on the same subjects over an extended period, observing changes or developments over time. While this can provide valuable insights into patterns and trends, it does not involve the manipulation of the IV in the way a field experiment does.

By manipulating the IV in a natural setting, field experiments can yield useful insights into how behaviors and responses may vary in everyday life, enhancing our understanding of various psychological processes.