Controlling variables Flashcards
What are extraneous variables
Variables that could potentially affect results
Types of extraneous variables
Participant variables e.g. age
Situational variables e.g. Weather
What are confounding variables
Variables that 100% affect results
What are demand characteristics
Participants guess the aims of the study and can change their behaviour to act unnaturally
What are investigator effects
Influence of investigator on study e.g. body language, behaviour, how study is conducted
What is experimental realism
Task is made engaging which prevents unnatural behaviour e.g. demand characteristics
What is single and double blind design
Single blind design - Participant isn’t aware of aims of study which prevents demand characteristics
Double blind design - Experimenter and participant aren’t aware of aims of study to prevent investigator effects and demand characteristics
What is standardisation
Procedures use in experiments are kept the same
