Controlling Flashcards
What is used to control participant variables?
Experimental designs and Random allocation
Experimental designs
The way participants are allocated to experimental groups. e.g. repeated measures, independent groups and matched pairs design.
Random allocation
Randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment.
What is used to control participant reactivity (demand characteristics)?
Single-blind procedure, double-blind procedure, deception, unobtrusive methods and placebos.
Single-blind procedure
Participants are not informed about the specific aims of the study. This reduces the likelihood of them changing their behaviour.
Double-blind procedure
Bothe the participants and researchers who interact with them are unaware of the specific conditions or aims of the study.
Deception
Misleading participants about the true purpose of the study.
Unobtrusive methods
Collecting data without directly interacting with participants or making them aware they are being studied e.g. covert
Placebos
In clinical trials, using a placebo controls group helps ensure that any effects are due to the treatment itself rather than people’s expectations.
What is used to control social desirability bias?
confidentiality and anonymity
Confidentiality and anonymity
This reduces the pressure to conform to social norms and encourage honest answers.
What is used to control investigator effects?
Counterbalancing, randomisation, standardisation and double-blind procedure
Counterbalancing
A method used to control for order effects in repeated measures design. Where they are exposed to multiple conditions
Randomisation
Process of using random methods to order or select elements in the experiment. E.g. Stimuli, task sequences or participants.
Standardisation
Maintaining uniform procedures for all participants. Therefore, they are treated in the same way, same instructions and exposed to the same conditions.
