Research issues

Question 1

Independent variable (IV)

Answer 1

Change.

Question 2

Dependent variable (DV)

Answer 2

Measure.

Question 3

Define the term extraneous variable (EV)

Answer 3

Any variable other than the independent variable (IV), that may effect the dependent variable (DV) if it’s not controlled.

Question 4

Define the term confounding variable.

Answer 4

A kind of EV but the key feature is that the confounding variable does vary systematically with the IV. Therefore we can’t tell if any change in the DV is due to the IV or the confounding variable.

Question 5

Define the term demand characteristics.

Answer 5

Are any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of an investigation. This may lead to a participant changing their behaviour within the research situation.

Question 6

Define the term investigator effects.

Answer 6

Any effect of the investigator’s behaviour (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome (the DV). This may include everything from the design of the study to the selection of and interaction with, participants during the research process.