Experiments are not a common research method in sociology as it is very difficult to control variables. The idea of an experiment is that – whether in a laboratory or in the field – phenomena are observed in a tightly-controlled environment, to see the impact of certain variables. It is easier to control variables and achieve a more reliable result in a laboratory situation, but such a situation lacks validity, as it does not resemble real life.The Hawthorne Effect is also relevant because people are likely to behave differently because they know they are being observed. Although those who want sociology to be scientific are likely to favour the idea of experiments, human agency or free will means that it is very difficult to imagine a sufficiently controlled environment for a successful sociological experiment.