What is a limitation of laboratory experiments used by behaviourists?

• A. They have high ecological validity
• B. They lack control over variables
• C. They are unethical in many cases
• D. They have low ecological validity and potential demand characteristics

Answer: (D)

Lab-based studies in behaviorism are designed for precise control over variables, but their artificial setting makes findings less representative of real-life situations (low ecological validity). In such controlled environments, participants can also pick up on what the study is trying to show and alter their behavior to fit expectations (demand characteristics). This combination—artificial context plus potential participant bias—best describes a limitation of laboratory experiments used by behaviourists. The other options don’t fit: they don’t typically have high ecological validity, they aren’t universally unethical, and the core issue is not a blanket lack of control.