experimental method - rm Flashcards
What is an extraneous variable
Variables other than the independent variable that can affect the dependent variable
What is a confounding variable
a type of extraneous variable that was not controlled. This means we can’t tell if any change in the DV is due to the IV or the confounding data.
What is dependent and independent variable
Dependent - measure
Independent - change
What does it mean to operationalise your variables
Ensuring that your variables are in a form that they can be easily tested - state how it will be measured
What is a hypothesis
A precise statement that involves making a prediction between the two variables that the researcher wants to investigate
So a predictable and testable statement
What is an aim
Explains what is trying to be investigated - not as specific and precise as a hypothesis
Experimental hypothesis
The hypothesis is called an ‘experimental hypothesis’ (H1) when the study is using an experimental method.
Alternative hypothesis
In all other non-experimental research (e.g. questionnaires, interviews and observations) it is called an alternative hypothesis (Ha).
Steps to writing a Good hypothesis
Written as prediction
Need to have IV and DV mentioned
Needs to be written in future tense eg : there will be
Steps to writing a Good hypothesis
Written as prediction
Need to have IV and DV mentioned
Needs to be written in future tense eg : there will be
Directional hypothesis
(one tailed hypothesis) - predicts the direction in which results are expected to occur (directional) e.g, revision improves exam performance.
Non directional hypothesis
(two tailed hypothesis)
- does not predict the direction the results is expected to occur, but states there will be some kind of difference between two events e.g. revision will affect exam performance
Non directional hypothesis
(two tailed hypothesis)
- does not predict the direction the results is expected to occur, but states there will be some kind of difference between two events e.g. revision will affect exam performance
What is counter balancing
is an attempt to control order effects in repeated measures design.
In counterbalancing, half the participants take part in condition A and then B. The other half take part in condition B and then A.
