Aims and variables Flashcards
Define a dependant variable
The variable measured by the researcher
Define an independent variable
Some aspect of the experiment that is manipulated by the researcher or changes naturally
What does it mean to operationalise?
To make countable
What is the aim?
A general statement stating what the researcher is intending to investigate
Define investigator effects
An effect of the researchers behaviour on the DV. (Can include the design of the study and the selection of the participants)
What is randomisation?
The use of chance in order to control bias when designing materials and the order of conditions
What is standardisation?
Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study
What are demand characteristics?
Any cue from the researcher or the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation
What is the “Please-U effects” and the “Screw-U effect”?
When participants over perform to please the researcher or under perform to ruin the results
What are extraneous variables?
Any variable that might affect the IV or DV unintentionally
What are nuisance variables?
Easy to control, do not vary systematically with the IV
What are confounding variables?
Variables that do systematically change with the IV and make it difficult to control them. Personality is a confounding variable.
