Chapter 1 Definitions Flashcards
Dependent Variable
The property that is measured in the research.
MEASURES THE EFFECT OF THE IV.
Extraneous Variable
Variable other than the IV that could cause undesirable changes to the DV.
Controlled Variable
When potential effects of the EV have been removed.
Confounding Variable
Variable other than the IV that has a systematic effect on the DV.
RESEARCH IS A WASTE OF TIME IF IT IS PRESENT.
Convenience sample.
Using any person ‘conveniently’ available as part of the sample - are essentially biased and unreliable.
Representative Sample
When the sample represent that population, so that the results/conclusions can be generalised to the wider population.
Random sampling
Sampling procedure in which each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Stratified sampling
When the effects of a certain variable can be eliminated as a possible confound in an experiment.
Random allocation
When all participants in an experiment have an equal chance of being in the E/C-group.
Repeated measures
Each participant is in the E/C-group.
Matched participants
Attempts to eliminate confounding variables by “matching” participants in E and C-group based on key characteristics.
Independent groups
Allocates participant to E/C-group randomly.
Order effect
Type of confounding variable (Eg. Practice, fatigue, boredom etc.).
Placebo effect
When participants’ behavior is influenced by their expectations of how they should behave (caused by a placebo).
Single-bling procedure
Participants don’t know if they are in the E/C-group.
Experimenter effect
When the outcome of an experiment is unintentionally (or intentionally) affected by the experimenter.
Double-blind procedure
No one knows who is in E/C-group.
Descriptive statistics
Tell us about the “shape” of the data set.
NO CONCLUSIONS CAN BE DRAWN.
Inferential statistics
Statistical procedures that allow researchers to decide whether changes in the IV have cause changes in the value of the DV.
P-value.
Probability that the difference in results is due to chance.
List the participants’ rights in research
Confidentiality Voluntary participation Withdrawal rights Informed consent Deception Debriefing
Independent Variable
Variable that is deliberately manipulated or varied in some way by the experimenter.
