1A - Investigation aims, hypotheses and variables Flashcards
Develop aim and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions.
What is the purpose of an investigation aim?
The purpose of an investigation aim is to state the intent of the study, including the variables being studied.
An example of an investigation aim is ‘To investigate the effect of sugar consumption on attention levels in children.’
What is an investigation question?
The investigation question is the question that the study intends to solve or what the researcher is trying to find out.
An example of an investigation question is ‘Does consuming sugar affect attention in children?’
Define hypothesis in the context of research.
A hypothesis is a statement outlining the probable outcomes of an investigation based on current theory.
It is tested to see if it is supported, partly supported, or refuted.
What is the independent variable (IV)?
The independent variable (IV) is the variable that the researcher manipulates, controls, or changes in an experiment.
What is the dependent variable (DV)?
The dependent variable (DV) is the variable that the researcher measures in an experiment.
Fill in the blank: The _______ variable is the variable that is being manipulated by the researcher.
independent
Fill in the blank: The _______ variable is the variable that is being measured by the researcher.
dependent
What is a controlled experiment?
A controlled experiment is an investigation that tests the effects of an independent variable on a dependent variable while controlling other variables.
What are extraneous variables?
Extraneous variables are variables other than the independent variable that may have an unwanted effect on the dependent variable and results.
What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?
The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.
True or False: A hypothesis should include a reason or explanation.
False
What should a hypothesis include?
A hypothesis should include:
* the IV and DV being investigated
* an indication of the strength or direction of the variable
* a comparison of the groups being investigated.
What might confounding variables do in an experiment?
Confounding variables can obscure the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, affecting the validity of the results.
Fill in the blank: _______ variables threaten the internal validity of an investigation.
Extraneous
Give an example of an extraneous variable.
Examples of extraneous variables include:
* individual differences (age, sex, etc.)
* differences in the experimental setting (temperature, noise level, etc.)
* the influence of the experimenter.
What is the aim of formulating a hypothesis?
to provide a prediction of the investigation results
What is the relationship between the independent and dependent variables?
The dependent variable depends on the independent variable.
How do controlled variables help in an investigation?
They help to ensure the validity of the results by isolating the effects of the independent variable alone.
This prevents other factors from influencing the dependent variable.
What is the difference between controlled variables and the control group?
Controlled variables are kept constant for both experimental and control conditions, while the control group does not receive the experimental treatment.
Controlled variables help eliminate external influences on results.
What procedures can be used to control for extraneous variables?
Procedures include:
* Using an appropriate investigation design
* Using an appropriate sampling technique and random allocation
* Increasing the sample size
* Using written scripts for verbal instructions
* Ensuring the experimental setting remains constant
* Using deception
* Providing a placebo
* Selecting a different investigation methodology.
What happens when an extraneous variable cannot be controlled?
It should be monitored closely throughout the investigation to determine any unwanted effect on the results.
What is a confounding variable?
An unwanted variable that has affected the results of an investigation, making it unclear whether the independent variable or the confounding variable caused the change in the dependent variable.
What compromises internal validity in research?
When extraneous variables are not controlled for, making it impossible to determine the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a fake treatment used to control for extraneous variables.
placebo
True or False: Confounding variables can sometimes be controlled by the researcher.
False
What is the purpose of an investigation aim?
To outline the primary objective of the research.
Identify the independent variable (IV) in the scenario: ‘Does the temperature of milk influence our perception of its sweetness?’
Temperature of milk
Identify the dependent variable (DV) in the scenario: ‘Does the temperature of milk influence our perception of its sweetness?’
Sweetness level
What is the role of random allocation in research?
To ensure that participants are assigned to experimental and control groups randomly, reducing bias.
Fill in the blank: A variable that should be controlled in a study on children’s toy preferences is _______.
age of children
What is a potential extraneous variable in a study measuring the effectiveness of a new medicine?
Variability in participant symptoms or prior medical history.
