Psychology as a Science Flashcards
Independent Variable
An experimental variable controlled and manipulated by the experimenter; the “if A happens” part of a hypothesis.
Is the independent variable the potential cause or the effect in an experiment?
Cause
Example of Independent Variable
Different types of shoes is an independent variable in an experiment studying the effects of types of shoes on athlete’s foot.
Dependent Variable
A measure that demonstrates the effects of an independent variable; the “result” part of a hypothesis.
Is the dependent variable the potential cause or the effect in an experiment?
Effect
Example of Dependent Variable
Athlete’s foot is an dependent variable in an experiment studying the effects of different types of shoes on athlete’s foot.
Confounding Variable
Variables that are irrelevant to the hypothesis being tested that can alter a researcher’s conclusions.
Own definition of Confounding Variable
A variable that confuses the relationship between cause and effect.
Example of Confounding Variable
Hygiene is a confounding variable when it is not taken into account in an experiment studying the effects of different types of shoes on athlete’s foot.
Experimental Group
A group of participants that is exposed to the independent variable.
Why is the experimental group essential in an experiment?
The experimental group receives the cause in an experiment.
Example of Experimental Group
People who use more than one type of shoe are part of the experiment group in an experiment studying the effects of different types of shoes on athlete’s foot.
Control Group
A group that experiences all experimental procedures with the exception of exposure to the independent variable.
Why is a control group important in an experiment?
The control group is part of the experiment and reaches the effect without receiving the cause.
Example of Control Group
People who only wear one type of shoes are part of the control group in an experiment studying the effects of different types of shoes on athlete’s foot.
