Research Issues

Question 1

Extaneous variables

Answer 1

Any variable, other than the IV, that may affect the DV if its not controlled (nuisance variables)

Question 2

Confounding variables

Answer 2

A kind of EV but the key feature is that a confounding variable varies systematically with the IV.

Question 3

Demand characteristics

Answer 3

Any cue given by 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 4

Investigator effects

Answer 4

Any effect of the investigators behaviour on the research outcome. This may include everything from the design of the study to the selection of, and interaction with, participants during the research process

Question 5

Randomisation

Answer 5

The use of chance methods to control for the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions

Question 6

Standardisation

Answer 6

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study