Variables

Question 1

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 1

Variables (other than the IV) that may have an effect on 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 alternative explanation for your results.

Question 3

What are participant variables?

Answer 3

Individual differences between participants that may effect the DV.

Question 4

What are participant variables?

Answer 4

Individual differences between participants that may effect the DV.

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

Effect of the investigator on the DV. This may be conscious or unconscious. E.g. smiling at participants giving correct answers or asking leading questions.

Question 7

What is randomisation?

Answer 7

Use of chance to reduce the researcher’s 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 participants in a research study. Controls for situational variables.