Control Of Variables

Question 1

Define confounding variable

Answer 1

An extraneous variable that impacts results and causes a change in the DV, making the outcome meaningless.

Question 2

Define control

Answer 2

The extent to which any variable is held constant or regulated by a researcher

Question 3

Define external validity

Answer 3

The degree to which findings can be generalised to other people (ecological V), to other groups of people (population V) and other periods of time (historical V)

Question 4

Define extraneous variables

Example?

Answer 4

Nuisance variables that make it difficult to detect a significant effect. Do not vary systematically with IV.

Time of day

Question 5

Define internal validity

Answer 5

The degree to which an observed effect was due to the experimental manipulation rather than other factors, such as confounding variables

Question 6

Define mundane realism

Answer 6

Studies aim to reflect ‘real life’ however if they’re too artificial then they lack mundane realism

Question 7

Define validity

Answer 7

Whether an observed effect is genuine / legitimate