Research Methods - Variables

Question 1

extraneous variables

Answer 1

any variable other than the IV that could influence the DV
E.G. participant variables, researcher variables (investigator effects), situational variables

Question 2

confounding variables

Answer 2

an influence that affects the rel of the IV+DV leading to an innapropriate conclusion of cause
-they CANNOT be controlled

Question 3

participant variables

Answer 3

the differences in participants that can influence results
E.G. gender, IQ, personality traits, experience and backgrounds

Question 4

participant reactivity

Answer 4

the tendency for Ps to read the cues form researcher/environment and change thier behaviour
- results in demand characteristics

Question 5

demand charcteristics

Answer 5

the participant has become aware of the aim of the study and acts to dis/please
-creates bias

Question 6

social desirability

Answer 6

Ps presenting themselves in a favourable manner by respoding in a way that is ‘socially acceptable’’
-creates bias in self reports

Question 7

situational variables

Answer 7

the setting/environment can affect Ps reactions
E.G. light, sound, temp

Question 8

investigator effects

Answer 8

when the researcher un/consciously influences the results via subtle cues, body language, tone of voice or expectation of experient outcome

Question 9

how to control particpant variables

Answer 9

experimental designs
random allocation

Question 10

experimental designs

Answer 10

repeated measures, independent measures, matched pairs

Question 11

random allocation

Answer 11

Ps are randomly assigned ot different conditions

Question 12

how to control participants reactivity

Answer 12

single/double blind procedure, deception, unobtrusive method, placebos, confidentiality and anonymity

Question 13

single blind procedure

Answer 13

Ps are not aware of aims/hypothesis but the researchers/investigators are

Question 14

double blind procedure

Answer 14

Ps and investigators arent aware of aims/hypothesis

Question 15

deception

Answer 15

misleading Ps about the aim/hypothesis of the experiment
-debriefed after to solve ethics

Question 16

unobtrusive method

Answer 16

collecting data off Ps without them being aware E.G. CCTV

Question 17

placebos

Answer 17

in clinical trials
fake drug vs real and Ps never know which they took

Question 18

confidentiality and anonymity

Answer 18

Ps are more likely to give honest answers without identity available to others

Question 19

how to control investigator effects

Answer 19

placebo, single/double blind procedure, counterbalancing, randomisation, standardisation

Question 20

counterbalancing

Answer 20

helps control order effects (repeated practice, boredom or fatigue)

Question 21

randomisation

Answer 21

uses random methods to select elements of the experiment - reduces CVs

Question 22

standardisation

Answer 22

maintain uniform procedures equal to all Ps to increase generalisability