Control variables

Question 1

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 1

variables (other than the IV) that may have an effect in the DV. These do NOT vary systematically with the IV

Question 2

What are confounding variables?

Answer 2

variables (other than the IV) that will have an effect on the DV these DO vary systematically with the IV. It provides an alternate explanation for your results

Question 3

What are participant variables?

Answer 3

individual differences between ptpts that may effect the DV. E.G age, sex

Question 4

What are situational variables?

Answer 4

Differences in the experimental conditions that may effect the DV. E.G temperature, time of day, weather

Question 5

What are demand characteristics?

Answer 5

Any cues from the researcher/ research situation that may indicate the purpose of the experiment

Question 6

What are investigator effects?

Answer 6

Effects of the investigator on the DV. This may be conscious or unconscious. E.G smiling at ptpts giving the correct answers or asking leading questions

Question 7

What is randomisation?

Answer 7

use of chance to reduce the researchers influence on the investigation. E.G order of word lists are random. controls for investigator effects

Question 8

What is standardisation?

Answer 8

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all ptpts in a research study. Controls for situational variables