Control Of Variables

Question 1

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 1

Unwanted variables which might interfere with the IV or DV

Question 2

When should extraneous variables be identified?

Answer 2

At the start of the study by the experimenter and controlled or removed

Question 3

Do extraneous variables vary systematically with the IV?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

What are confounding variables?

Answer 4

Unwanted variables which may affect the DV so we can’t be sure the true source of changes to the DV

Question 5

Do confounding variables change systematically?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What are demand characteristics?

Answer 6

When a participant either tries to guess the true nature of the experiment or try to please or sabotage the experimenter

Question 7

What are investigator effects?

Answer 7

Any effect of the investigators behaviour on the research outcome (DV) - can be conscious or unconscious

Question 8

What is randomisation?

Answer 8

The use of chance to control effects of bias when designing materials and deciding order of conditions

Question 9

What is standardisation?

Answer 9

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all ppts in a research study

Question 10

What are ppt variables?

Answer 10

Any individual differences between ppts that may affect the DV

Question 11

What are situational variables?

Answer 11

Any feature of the experimental situation that may affect the DV