Experiments & variables Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by an independant variable?
A
Variable that is changed / manipulated
2
Q
What is meant by a dependant variable?
A
Variable that is affected by the IV and is measured
3
Q
What is meant by a control variable?
A
Variable that remains constant
4
Q
What is operationalisation?
A
Defining a variable / idea so that it can be easily measured
5
Q
What are the features of lab experiments?
A
- Artificial and controlled environment
- IV controlled by experimenter
- DV measured
- Ppts know they are being studied
- Low ecological validity
6
Q
What are 3 strengths of lab experiments?
A
- Controlled setting so high internal validity
- Easy to control EV’s and measure DV
- Easily replicated due to standardised procedures
7
Q
What are 3 weaknesses of lab experiments?
A
- Artificial so low ecological validity
- Ppts may show demand characteristics
- Ethical issues such as deception
8
Q
What are the features of field experiments?
A
- Natural environment
- IV controlled by experimenter
- DV is measured
- Some EV’s
- Ppts may not be aware they are being studied
- Great ecological validity
9
Q
What are 2 strengths of field experiments?
A
- Natural setting so high ecological validity
- Avoids demand characteristics
10
Q
What are 3 weaknesses of field experiments?
A
- Uncontrolled setting so low internal validity
- Hard to control EV’s and measure DV
- Ethical issues such as no consent
11
Q
What are the features of natural experiments?
A
- Natural setting familiar to ppts
- Naturally occuring IV
- DV measured
- Ppts may not be aware they are being studied
- Low standardised procedures
12
Q
What are 3 strengths of natural experiments?
A
- Less demand charateristics
- Can study real life problems
- High external validity so can generalise
13
Q
What are 3 weaknesses of natural experiments?
A
- Low internal validity due to IV not manipulated
- Cannot definitively establish cause and effect
- Ethical issues such as no consent
