Experimental Method/Control

Question 1

Operationalised

Answer 1

Variables are defined in a way that they can be easily measured or tested

Question 2

Extraneous variables

Answer 2

Any variable, other than the IV that, that may potentially affect the DV. E.g. noise levels, time of day, age

Should be identified and controlled before the experiment begins

Question 3

Confounding variables

Answer 3

If EVs are not controlled they may come from CVs, which affect the validity of the findings. E.g. age, height, education levels

Question 4

Random allocation

Answer 4

An attempt to control for participants variables in an independent groups design which ensures that each participant has the same chance of being in one condition as any other

Question 5

Standardisation

Answer 5

Ensuring that each participant does exactly the same thing within each condition in order that the study can be repeated. May include instructions so participants are told how to perform a task

Question 6

Counterbalancing

Answer 6

Participant sample is divided in half, one half complete the two conditions in one order, the other half completed the two conditions in reverse order

Question 7

Single blind technique

Answer 7

Participants don’t know if they are in the control group or the experimental group (controls placebo effect)

Question 8

Double blind technique

Answer 8

Participants AND researchers don’t know who are in the control group or the experimental group (control against
investigator effect)

Question 9

Triple blind technique

Answer 9

Participants AND researchers AND analysts don’t know who are in the control group or the experimental group (control against bias)

Question 10

Pilot study

Answer 10

A small scale trial run of a research design to check all aspects of the procedure and change some if necessary