control Flashcards
What is meant by ‘control’ in psychological research?
Control refers to the management of variables in a study to ensure that the effect on the DV is due to the IV, increasing internal validity.
Why is control important in psychological research?
✔ Ensures cause-and-effect can be established.
✔ Improves validity and reliability.
✔ Minimises the influence of extraneous and confounding variables.
What is standardisation in research?
The use of identical procedures, instructions, settings, and materials for all participants to ensure consistency and control.
What is randomisation?
Using chance to reduce investigator bias when designing materials, conditions, or assigning participants.
E.g., randomly ordering stimuli to avoid order effects.
What are extraneous variables?
Variables other than the IV that could affect the DV if not controlled, e.g., noise, lighting, participant mood.
What are confounding variables?
A type of extraneous variable that has actually influenced the DV, making it unclear whether the IV caused the effect.
How do researchers control participant variables?
✔ Random allocation to conditions.
✔ Matching participants (matched pairs design).
✔ Large, representative samples.
How do researchers control situational variables?
✔ Conducting experiments in controlled environments.
✔ Keeping time of day, temperature, and instructions the same.
What is random allocation and how does it improve control?
Participants are randomly assigned to conditions to ensure each group is equivalent, reducing the impact of participant variables in an independent groups design.
What is counterbalancing and when is it used?
A method used in repeated measures designs to control for order effects (e.g., fatigue, practice).
E.g., Group A does Condition 1 then 2; Group B does 2 then 1.
What are demand characteristics and how can they be controlled?
Cues that lead participants to guess the aim and alter their behaviour.
Controlled by using:
✔ Deception or cover stories.
✔ Independent groups design.
✔ Standardised instructions.
What is investigator effect and how can it be controlled?
When the researcher’s behaviour or expectations influence the outcome.
Controlled using:
✔ Double-blind procedures.
✔ Standardised instructions.
✔ Minimising interaction with participants.
What is a control group and why is it important?
A group not exposed to the IV, used for comparison.
Helps determine whether changes in the DV are due to the IV or other factors.
How can using a lab setting help with control?
✔ High level of control over extraneous variables.
✔ Standardised environment.
✘ May lower ecological validity.
What is the difference between controlling variables and randomisation?
Control = actively keeping something constant.
Randomisation = using chance to reduce bias in order or allocation (e.g., random task order).
