2.2.2 - 2.2.10 Methodology: Variables Flashcards
What makes a theory objective?
Where its not affected by personal opinions from the researcher
Define subjective
Where personal data and opinions of the researcher affect the data
Explain the theory process
Theory, hypothesis, testing, result, conclusion, accept or ammend
What is an explanation?
A scientific process made to test a hypothesis in order to demonstrate casual relationships
Why make research scientific?
All variables are controlled, its objective (so free from bias), its reliable (able to replicate results), its valid (accuracy; are u measuring what u intended to?), its conclusive, and determines causality
What is a variable?
Anything that changes + affects the results (e.g: age, past experiences)
What is an independent variable?
A variable that can be changed or controlled, and has direct affect on the dependent variable. Its also the cause, and researchers can change this
What is a dependent variable?
The variable that were testing/measuring. Its also the effect
What is an operational variable?
Full description of how variables are defined, how they’ll be manipulated, and how they’ll be measured. You have to make this measurable
How do u operationalise an independent variable?
Make it measurable, define variables, and create conditions (experimental group exposed to IV, control group not + used as a baseline)
How do u operationalise a dependent variable?
Turn it into a unit of measurement (e.g: pounds, secs, kg)
What is the operational definition of memory? (thing we can see helping us see what we cant)
Number of words recalled from a test
What is the operational definition of intelligence? (thing we can see helping us see what we cant)
Scores on an IQ test
What is the operational definition of stress? (thing we can see helping us see what we cant)
Heart rate, blood test to measure cortisol
What is the operational definition of happiness? (thing we can see helping us see what we cant)
Mood questionnaire, score it
What are extraneous variables?
Factors that could’ve had an impact on results but are identified before study starts + are controlled
What are confounding variables?
Factors occurring during study that have impact on variables being measured + then the results. They’re found after the study so cant be controlled. If extraneous aren’t controlled, they become confounding
What are the 3 examples of extraneous/confounding variables?
Participant (characteristics of those taking part), situational (environmental factors that may affect results), and experimenter (cues given by researcher, like gestures or tone of voice, that may affect results)
How do you control extraneous/confounding variables?
- Group people based on characteristics
- Randomly allocate to groups
- Make conditions in both scenarios the same
- Single blind study = participants unaware of aim so don’t change performance
- Double blind study = both researcher + participants unaware of aim, independent researcher carries out study
What are demand characteristics?
When participants change their behaviour as a result of cues from research situations
What are the reasons for demand characteristics?
People want to impress researcher, sabotages, and people having a fear of being watched
