1A - Investigation aims, hypotheses and variables

Question 1

Investigation aim

Answer 1

the purpose of study

Question 2

Investigation question

Answer 2

the question that is to be solved by a study

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

a statement predicting the probable
outcomes of a study

Question 4

Independent variable

Answer 4

the variable that is being manipulated (controlled or changes) by the researcher

Question 5

Dependent variable

Answer 5

the variable that is being measured by the researcher

Question 6

Controlled experiment

Answer 6

an experimental investigation of the relationship between one or more independent variables and a dependent variable in all other variables are controlled

Question 7

Controlled variable

Answer 7

a variable that is held constant to ensure that the only influence on the dependent variable is the independent variable

Question 8

Extraneous variable

Answer 8

a variable other than the independent variable that may have an unwanted effect on the dependent variable and results of an investigation

Question 9

Confounding variable

Answer 9

an unwanted variable that has affected the results of an investigation

Question 10

There are several types of extraneous variables, including

Answer 10

*individual differences between participant variables, such as age, sex, personality traits,
previous experiences, behavioural differences and current feelings

• differences in the experimental setting
  between the groups, such as temperature,
  noise level, light level or time of day
• aspects of the experiment or environment
  that provide the participants with cues to the
  study’s aim or expected findings, influencing
  their natural behaviour
• the influence of the experimenter on participant responses or on the procedures in a study
• the effect of practice or boredom when a
  participant completes multiple trials.

Question 11

Different
procedures can be used to control for extraneous variables, including:

Answer 11

• using an appropriate investigation design
• using an appropriate sampling technique and random allocation
• increasing the sample size
• using written scripts for verbal instructions and ensuring the experimental setting
  remains constant among groups
• using deception and preventing the participants and/or researcher from knowing which
  group is exposed to the experimental and control conditions
• providing a placebo or fake treatment to the control group
• selecting a different investigation methodology where variables do not need to be controlled, such as fieldwork.