Research issues

Question 1

Extraneous variables

Answer 1

Any variable other than the IV that may affect the dependent variable if it is not controlled.

EV’s are essentially nuisance variables that do not vary systematically with the IV

Question 2

Confounding variable

Answer 2

Kind of EV but varies systematically with the IV. Therefore we cannot tell if any change in the DV is due to the IV or the confounding variable

Question 2

Randomisation

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Demand characterstics

Answer 3

Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpretated participants as revealing the purpose of an investigation

Question 3

Investigator effects

Answer 3

Any effect of the investigator’s behaviour 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

Question 4

Standardisation

Answer 4

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