RESEARCH METHODS: Control

Question 1

Random allocation

Answer 1

Random allocation greatly decreases systematic error, so individual differences in responses or ability are far less likely to consistently affect results.

Question 2

Counterbalancing

Answer 2

to prevent order effects/ The sample is split in half with one half completing the two conditions in one order and the other half completing the conditions in the reverse order. Eg, the first 10 participants would complete condition A followed by condition B but the remaining 10 participants would complete condition B then A. Any order effects should be balanced out by the opposing half of participants.

Question 3

Standardisation

Answer 3

ers to the process in which procedures used in research are kept the same. Great attention is taken to keep all elements of a procedure identical, so that methods are sensitive to any change in performance

Question 4

Randomisation

Answer 4

Randomisation is used in the presentation of trials in an experiment to avoid any systematic errors that might occurs as a result of the order in which the trials take plac