Experiments Flashcards
What are Independent Variables?
The thing the researcher changes/manipulates to see the effect it has on something else
What are Dependent Variables?
The thing the researcher measures
What are Extraneous Variables?
A factor that could influence the researcher’s results (Control Variable)
What are Confounding Variables?
A variable that the researcher cannot control (usually individual differences)
These variables will interfere with the results
Describe a Lab experiment
IV is manipulated
Controlled and artificial setting
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Lab Experiments?
Strengths: High control- less interference,
More ethical
Weaknesses: Demand Characteristics,
Lack of ecological validity
Describe a Field experiment
IV is manipulated Natural environment (realistic setting)
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Field Experiments?
Strengths: Fewer demand characteristics,
High ecological validity
Weaknesses: Low control -more interference
Less ethical
Describe a Quasi experiment
IV is naturally occurring (cannot be manipulated)
Can be in either natural or artificial environment
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Quasi Experiments?
Strengths: High ecological validity
Weaknesses: Less control (no manipulation)
What are Independent Measures?
Participants complete only one condition in the experiment
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Independent Measures?
Strengths: No chance of order effects,
Less chance of participants changing their behaviour
Weaknesses: Individual differences make it difficult to compare,
More participants required
What are Repeated Measures?
Participants complete all conditions
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Repeated Measures?
Strengths: No individual differences,
Fewer participants are needed
Weaknesses: Chance of order effects,
Higher chance of demand characteristics
What are Matched-Pairs?
Participants only complete one condition but they’re matched to other participants who share a characteristic
