2. Control of Variables (AS)

Question 1

What are extraneous variable is?

Answer 1

Any variable other than the independent variable and they have an affect on the dependent variable if it is not controlled.

Question 2

What are nuisance variables?

Answer 2

Extraneous variable with that do not vary systematically with the IV.

Question 3

What are confounding variable is?

Answer 3

Any variable other than the IV that may have affected the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of the change to the DV – they very systematically with the IV.

Question 4

What are demand characteristics?

Answer 4

Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation – this may lead to a participant changing their behaviour within the research situation.

Question 5

What are investigator affects?

Answer 5

Any effect of the investigators behaviour (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome. This could be the design of the study or the selection of participants for example.

Question 6

What is randomisation?

Answer 6

The use of chance in order to control the effects of bias when designing materials or designing the order of conditions.

Question 7

What is the standardisation?

Answer 7

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in the research study.