Characteristics of experimental methods

Question 1

Control

Answer 1

The degree of control in an experiment varies based on the type.

Question 2

Confounding variable

Answer 2

Other variables that cannot be controlled that effect the independent variable.

Question 3

Demand characteristics

Answer 3

Features of an experiment that may cause the participants to behave unnaturally.

Question 4

Independent variable

Answer 4

The variable that is changed/manipulated by the experimenter. e.g amount of caffeine intake.

Question 5

Dependent variable

Answer 5

The variable that is measured. e.g the effects of amount of caffeine intake. The independent variable causes the dependent variable.

Question 6

Ecological validity

Answer 6

The extent at which the findings of an experiment can be generalised to real life.

Question 7

Extraneous variables

Answer 7

Variables that can be controlled that effect the dependent variable.

Question 8

Investigator effects

Answer 8

Something the investigator does that could cause the participants to behave unnaturally. e.g hints or expectations.

Question 9

Random sample

Answer 9

Participants are chosen at random so they all have an equal chance of being selected for an experiment.