Experiments

Question 1

Explain extraneous variables

Answer 1

Any variable, other than the the IV, that may have an effect on the DV

Question 2

Explain confounding variables

Answer 2

Any variable, other than the IV, that may have affected (in retrospect) the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of the changes to DV.

Question 3

Explain demand characteristics

Answer 3

Any cue from the researcher that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation- leading participants to change behaviour

Question 4

Define standardisation

Answer 4

Using the exact same formalised procedures for all participants in a research study

Question 5

Define experimental design

Answer 5

The different ways in which the testing of participants can be organised in relation to the experimental condition

Question 6

Explain independent group design

Answer 6

Participants are allocated to different groups where each group represents one experimental condition

Question 7

Explain a problem with independent group design and how it can be overcome

Answer 7

• Individual differences between people in the groups could have more effect on the DV than the IV dose
• This can be overcome by random allocation to groups

Question 8

Explain repeated measures

Answer 8

All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment

Question 9

Name a disadvantage of related measures and how it can be overcome

Answer 9

• The offer effect may change the DV

- ABBA, have one group do condition A then B and the other group do B then A

Question 10

Explain matched pairs

Answer 10

Paris of participants are matched on characteristic variables that may effect the DV, the on member is assigned to condition A and the other to condition B

Question 11

Describe what a lab experiment is

Answer 11

An experiment that takes place in a controlled environment within which the researcher manipulates IV and records effect on DV, maintaining strict control over extraneous variables

Question 12

Give a limitations of Lab experiments

Answer 12

-They lack generalisability. The lab environment is artificial and so will not act naturally so it is hard to generalise beyond the lab(low external validity).

Question 13

Explain field experiments

Answer 13

Experiment that takes place in natural condition within which the researcher manipulates the IV and records effect on DV

Question 14

Name two issues with field experiments

Answer 14

No control of extraneous variables

Ethical issues-cannot get consent