Research Issues Flashcards
What is an Extraneous Variable?
Any variable other than the IV which may affect the DV if it isn’t controlled
In different words, what are extraneous variables?
Nuisance variables which don’t vary systematically with the IV
Are Extraneous Variables easy to control?
Yes such as age of pps and lighting in the lab
What do extraneous variables do to the experiment?
‘muddy’ the water but doesn’t confound the findings of the study as it may just make it harder to detect a result
What is a confounding variable?
A type of EV but the key feature is that a confounding variable varies systematically with the IV
What cant we tell if there is a change in the dependent variable?
If its due to the IV or CV
What are demand characteristics?
Any cue from the researcher or from research situation that may be interpreted by pps as revealing the purpose of an investigation
What might demand characteristics lead to?
To participants changing their behaviour within the research situation and influence the way they behave in the situation
If someone has been influenced by demand characteristics, how will they act in the experiment?
In the way that they think is expected to please the experimenter.
What are Investigator effects?
Any effect on the investigators behaviour (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome (DV)
What may investigator effects include?
Everything from the design of the study to selection of and interaction with pps during research process
What also leads to investigator effects?
Participants reactivity
Why does participants reactivity leads to investigator effects?
Investigator may encourage or put down certain behaviours
What is an additional definition of Investigator Effects?
Is any unwanted influence of the investigator on the research outcome or any actions of the researcher that were related to the study’s design
What is an example of the power of investigator effects?
Leading Questions
