L1 Flashcards
Independent variable
Variable the researcher manipulates to see effect on DV
Experimental condition
IV divided into levels
Control condition
Experimental conditions can be compared, where IV is not manipulated
Dependent variable
Variable being measured
Extraneous variable
Variables other than IV that could affect the DV
Confounding variable
Variables other than IV that have affected the DV
Operationalisation
Variables must be defined and stated how it’ll be measured
Lab experiment
- controlled environment
- high level of control on IV
- EV is eliminated
- Participants are randomly allocated
Positive Lab Experiment
(+) high level of control over IV and EV eliminated and prevent CV
(+) IV manipulated and cause and effect established between IV and DV
(+) easily replicated and results and reliable
Negative lab experiment
(-) demand characteristics where participants guess the aim of the study
(-) social desirability bias where participants behave in a more positive light
(-) lacks mundane realism and ecological validity
Field experiment
- occurs in a real life natural setting
- IV still manipulated
Advantages field experiment
(+) more mundane realism and ecological validity
(+) IV still manipulated so cause and effect established
(+) less chance do demand characteristics
Disadvantages of Field experiment
(-) less control over EV allowing chance of CV so research isn’t valid
(-) less control over sample so its not representative
(-) difficult to replicate so results may be unreliable
Natural experiment
- naturally occurring IV to see effect on DV
- measures variables that aren’t directly manipulated
- e.g. comparing behaviour in single sex and mixed school
Positive natural experiment
(+) high level mundane realism and ecological validity
(+) useful when its unethical to manipulate the IV