*Research Issues Flashcards
What are extraneous variables?
Variables that affect the dependent variable (DV) other than the independent variable (IV)
They should be identified at the start of the study and minimized.
What is the impact of nuisance variables?
They make it harder to detect results
Nuisance variables are a type of extraneous variable.
Define confounding variables.
A type of extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV
They create a second unintentional IV, complicating the analysis of which IV has affected the DV.
How do confounding variables affect research analysis?
They make it hard to analyze which IV has affected the DV
The second IV could explain the changes in the DV.
What are demand characteristics?
Cues or clues that may reveal the aim of the experiment
They may lead to a change in participant behavior.
What is participant reactivity?
A significant extraneous variable where participants try to make sense of the experiment
It is very difficult to control for.
What is the ‘please-U effect’?
When participants overperform to please the experimenter
This is a type of demand characteristic.
What is the ‘screw-U effect’?
When participants underperform to sabotage the experiment
This is another type of demand characteristic.
What are investigator effects?
Unwanted influences from the investigator on the outcome
This includes unconscious cues and expectancy effects.
What does randomization aim to achieve in research?
To reduce researcher biases when designing an investigation
It attempts to control investigator effects.
How should participants recall a list of words in an experiment?
The order of words should be randomized
This helps minimize biases.
What is standardization in research?
A framework to ensure certain things stay the same in the experiment
All participants should experience the same environment, information, and experience.
What is the purpose of standardization?
To eliminate extraneous variables
It involves a list of exactly what will be done in the study.
