Evaluating a Study: Vocabulary

Question 1

Internal validity

Answer 1

The extent to which a study establishes a cause and effect relationship

Question 2

Extraneous variables

Answer 2

Variables other than the independent varaible which could affect the dependent variable; controlled variable

Question 3

Demand characteristics

Answer 3

Subtle cue which makes participants think they know what researchers want

• Expectancy
• Screw you
• Social desirability

Question 4

Order effects

Answer 4

Change in participants’ performance on a task due to repeating the same or similar test more than once

• Fatigue
• Interference
• Practise

Question 5

Researcher bias

Answer 5

Error in research process or result interpretation due to a researcher’s behaviour, preconceived beliefs, expectancies or desires about

Question 6

External validity

Answer 6

How well the study can be generalised to other settings or applied to real world situations

Question 7

Mundane realism

Answer 7

Extent to which an activity or study is similar to an activity or process one would complete in everyday life