Aims, Hypotheses And Variables

Question 1

What are examples of extraneous variables and how can they be controlled

Answer 1

Participant variables are characteristics of the individual p that may influence the results (iq, memory, age, experience)- controlled by using repeated measures or matched pairs. Allocate ps randomly so p variables evenly distributed. situational variables are features of The situation which may influence behaviour. E.g order effects - use independent or matched ps or use counterbalancing. For environmental factors like the weather impose controls and for demand cs don’t tell ps aim (single blind)

Question 2

What is single blind and double blind

Answer 2

Single is when ps do not know the aim of the study, double is when ps or researchers don’t know the aim to reduce researcher effects (results affected by researchers behaviour e.g encouraging experimental condition) researcher bias (when allow hopes to affect data e.g choose ps or reject data

Question 3

What is the alternative hypothesis and an example

Answer 3

Predicts that the iv will affect the dv e.g there will be a significant diff in the number of balls thrown successfully into a bucket when completing the task in front of a noisy audience as opposed to a silent audience. Has to be operationalised

Question 4

What is the null hypothesis and an example

Answer 4

Predicts the iv will not have an effect on the dv: there will not be a significant difference in the number of balls thrown successfully into a bucket when completing the task in front of a noisy audience as opposed to a silent audience, any different will be due to chance factors

Question 5

What is a two tailed hypothesis and an example

Answer 5

Predicts the iv will have a significant effect on the dv but does not predict the direction this effect will go in. Example: there will be a significant difference between the number of balls thrown into the bucket in front of a noisy crowd as opposed to a silent one.

Question 6

What is a one tailed hypothesis and an example

Answer 6

Predicts that the iv will have a significant effect on the de and the direction this effect will go in. Example: participants in front of a noisy crowd will throw significantly less balls into the bucket than those infront of a silent crowd.

Question 7

What is a research aim and an example

Answer 7

The concept that the researcher wants to investigate. E.g. to investigate/see what people do whilst sat waiting for a train

Question 8

What is a research question and example

Answer 8

Do blonde haired people hold open a door for a stranger more often than brunettes do? (Must have a question mark)