4.2.3.1 CONTROL

Question 1

when are experimental controls used?
why are they needed?

Answer 1

• used in scientific experiments to prevent factors other than those being studied from affecting the outcome
• needed to eliminate alternate explanations of experimental results

Question 2

what is random allocation?

Answer 2

• all ppts should have an equal chance of being in any of the conditions

this should:
- stop/reduce ppt variables
-> so individual differences are less likely to impact the results
- reduce bias in how the experiment is conducted
- reduce systematic errors

Question 3

what is counterbalancing?

Answer 3

• ppts are allocated to different groups and presented the independent variable in different orders
• the researcher splits the ppts in half
• one group completes conditions in one order, the other group completes conditions in the opposite order
• this helps to reduce and balance out order effects

Question 4

what is randomisation?

Answer 4

• ppts are randomly assigned to conditions
• its used to reduce systematic errors
• also reduces order effects as ppts don’t know what they’re assigned to

Question 5

what is standardisation?

Answer 5

• when the method and procedure is kept identical for all ppts
  -> including all elements

especially:
- instructions to the ppts
- briefing and debrief
- the order of the study
- timings and the time of day the experiment takes place

-> this allows for the research to be replicated and reliable
- standardisation allows for meaningful data