Extraneous, Confounding Variables And Pilot Studies

Question 1

What is meant by an extraneous variable?

Answer 1

Unwanted extra variables other than the IV that could have an effect on the DV. They lower int val of the study.

Question 2

What are the three main causes of extraneous variables?

Answer 2

Situational factors, participant variables and experimenter variables

Question 3

How do situational factors cause extraneous variables?

Answer 3

Things from the env affects research e.g. task difficulty or standardised intructions

Question 4

How do participant variables cause extraneous variables?

Answer 4

Things to do with ppts e.g. age, gender, IQ, eye sight, hearing and personality
(These can only be used for independent groups design)

Question 5

How do experimenter variables cause extraneous variables?

Answer 5

Things to do w researcher e.g. investigator effects

Question 6

What are confounding variables?

Answer 6

This is when an extraneous variable is not controlled for and it does affect the DV, so becomes a confounding variable.

Question 7

What is meant by a pilot study?

Answer 7

Its a small scale trial run of the research before the real main scale research that takes place to identify any problems and amend them

Question 8

What are the aims and purpose of a pilot study?

Answer 8

• check standardised procedures and design
• check amount of time given to ppts is enough to complete task
• to make sure qs are clear for questionnaire or interview
• make sure bhv categories are understood for observations and camera/observer is in a good position to see bhvs
• identify/eliminate extraneous variables
• identify/adjust problems