experimental method

Question 1

what is the purpose of experiments

Answer 1

to test hypotheses and theories
to identify a cause and effect relationship

Question 2

what are independent variables

Answer 2

variables that are manipulated (changed)

Question 3

what are dependent variables

Answer 3

variables that we measure

Question 4

what are extraneous variables

Answer 4

variables besides the independent variable that affect the dependent variable

Question 5

what are random variables

Answer 5

variables that affect all participants but unpredictably

Question 6

what are confounding variables

Answer 6

variables that change systematically with the IV

Question 7

what is the experimental hypotheses

Answer 7

hypothesis that states the cause and effect relationship between the IV and DV

Question 8

how do we operationalise variables

Answer 8

define the IV and define how the DV is measured

Question 9

what does a null hypothesis state

Answer 9

that there will be no difference in the results between each level of the IV

Question 10

independent groups design

Answer 10

each group take part in one condition of the study

Question 11

repeated measures design

Answer 11

all participants take part in all conditions of the study

Question 12

matched pairs design

Answer 12

participants matched on important variables then allocated to one condition

Question 13

experimenter expectancy effects

Answer 13

effects caused by what the experimenter expects or wants

Question 14

participant effects

Answer 14

participants changing behaviour because they are being studied

Question 15

demand characteristics

Answer 15

cues conveying the experimental hypothesis, causing participants to behave in a certain way

Question 16

how to control participant effects and experimenter expectancy effects

Answer 16

standardised procedure and instructions
single blind to reduce participant E
double blind reduces both