Field experiments differ from lab experiments in that they:

Field experiments are conducted in natural settings, which allows researchers to observe how variables interact in real-world environments. This stands in contrast to lab experiments, which take place in controlled, artificial environments designed to limit extraneous variables. By testing variables in natural settings, field experiments can produce results that may be more applicable to everyday life, as they account for the complexities and unpredictabilities of real-world situations.

The other options highlight features that are more characteristic of laboratory settings. For instance, conducting experiments in artificial environments provides researchers with greater control over variables—something not typically the case in field experiments. Additionally, while random sampling techniques can be used in both field and lab experiments, their nature is not a defining feature of what distinguishes field experiments. The claim regarding the collection of only qualitative data is also inaccurate, as field experiments can incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data, depending on the research question and methodology employed.