Features of an Experiment + Variables

Question 1

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 1

The variable manipulated (changed) by the experimenter (cause).

Question 2

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 2

The variable measured by the experimenter (effect).

Question 3

Standardization

Answer 3

Set of procedures that are the same for all participants in order to be able to repeat the study. This also ensures all participants have the same experience.

Question 4

Extraneous Variables (EVs)

Answer 4

Variables that are not measured or manipulated by the researcher but affect the results of all participants equally. These are variables that might affect the DV if the experiment is not well controlled.

Question 5

Extraneous Variables can be split into 3 categories:

Answer 5

-Experimenter: personality/appearance of researcher etc.
-Situational: setting/surroundings/environment.
-Participant: age/intelligence/personality etc..

Question 6

Outline the main features of an Experiment.

Answer 6

-Measures cause and effect relationships.
-Researcher retains control over researcher variables.
-Random assignment of participants to conditions.
-Equal treatment of participants, except in relation to the IV.

Question 7

Confounding Variables

Answer 7

-A variable other than the IV that may have affected the DV.
-This may have affected some participants behavior.
-These variables cannot be controlled for (e.g. participant variables).