A field experiment is a research method used to test hypotheses in real-world settings rather than in a controlled laboratory environment. This approach allows researchers to observe how variables interact in natural conditions, providing insights that are often more applicable to everyday life. In a field experiment, researchers manipulate one or more independent variables while measuring the effects on dependent variables. For example, a study on the impact of advertising on consumer behavior might involve changing the type of ads shown in different neighborhoods and observing any resulting changes in sales.