Variables Flashcards
What is a variable?
A thing that determines if changes in one thing changes another thing
What is an IV
The variable that is manipulated
so DV can be measured
What is a DV
The variable that is measured
Effect caused by change in IV
Name 2 levels of the IV
Control
Experimental
What is a control variable?
A condition that provides a baseline measure of behavoir
No manipulation of IV
Results compared to experimental condition
What is an experimental condition?
One that involves the IV manipulation
Results from this are compared to control condition
Define operationalisation of variables
Clear
Conscice
Clearly defines variables in terms of how they measure e.g. time in seconds
What are extraneous variables?
Any other than IV may effect DV if uncontrolled
Effect is random
Defined at start study to minimise effect
Easy to control e.g. light, noise temp etc.
Explain confounding variables
Extraneous variables but varies systematically with IV
Cannot be sure of source of change to DV
Hard to predict
E.g. personality
What are Demand Characteristics?
When purpose of investigation revealed to PPTS
They deliberately change their behaviour
” Please you” or “screw you” effect
What are investigator effects?
Investigator behavior effects DV
Conscious or unconscious
E.g. design of study, or interaction with PPTS
Name all the ways to control variables and effects
Randomisation
Counterbalancing
Standardisation
Single Blind
Double blind
Explain Randomisation
Chance
Less ex variables
In independent measures PPTS in 1 condition- randomly allocated
Explain counterbalancing
Less order effects
Less dmd characteristics
Used in repeated measured (PPTS in 2 designs)
1/2 PPTS in one order (A to B) the
Other half does the opposite (B to A)
Explain Standardisation
Same formalised procedures for all
REDUCES:
Situational Variables
Investigator Effects
Dmd charas
