Aims, Hypothesis, and Variables (IV/DV)

Question 1

Manipulation of Variables

Answer 1

Two groups do same task, one thing is different. Any change in behaviour between groups must be due to this one thing.

Question 2

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 2

The variable that is different between groups, the variable researchers manipulate.

Question 3

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 3

The variable that is measured, changes based on the independent variable. It depends on it.

Question 4

Directional (One-tailed) Hypothesis

Answer 4

Only one outcome e.g. more, greater, less, fewer.

Question 5

Non-directional (Two-tailed) Hypothesis

Answer 5

There will be a difference, but not in any direction e.g. difference or affect.

Question 6

Operationalized Variables

Answer 6

Defining variables with high degrees of accuracy, measurements, manipulability, and repeatability. “participants in group A drink water” is not operationalized whereas “participants in group A drink 30ml of water and participants in group B drink no water” is operationalized.

Question 7

Extraneous Variables

Answer 7

Factors we need to control for. Things that could influence the dependant variable. Errors that need to be controlled. Won’t effect all participants.

Question 8

Participant Variables

Answer 8

Individual differences between participants.

Question 9

Situational Variables

Answer 9

Environmental situations whether in a lab or outside that may affect the dependant variable.

Question 10

Demand Characteristics

Answer 10

Things about research that make participants behave in a certain way.

Question 11

Investigator Effects

Answer 11

Aspects of a researcher’s behaviour or appearance to lead participants to behave in a certain way. Includes experimenter bias.

Question 12

Confounding Variables

Answer 12

Issues in the experiment that affect all participants (systematic errors.) Confounding variables have an impact on the dependent variable.