research issues Flashcards
What must researchers ensure about the behaviour they are studying?
That it is as clear as possible to avoid misunderstandings or bias.
What is an extraneous variable?
Any variable other than the IV that may affect the DV if it is not controlled.
Give an example of an extraneous variable.
A participant taking the test in a chilly room.
What is a confounding variable?
An extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV.
What problem does a confounding variable create?
It confounds the relationship between the IV and the DV.
What are demand characteristics?
When participants become aware of what the researcher is investigating and adapt their behaviour accordingly.
What is the Please-U effect?
When participants change their behaviour to please the researcher.
What is the Screw-U effect?
When participants deliberately sabotage the results of the researcher.
What are investigator effects?
Any effect of the researcher’s behaviour on the outcome of the study.
What is randomisation in research?
The use of chance methods to control the effects of bias when designing the experiment. This may include everything from the design of the study to the selection of the participants.
How does randomisation help in research?
It minimises the effect of extraneous and confounding variables on the results.
What is standardisation in research?
Using the exact same procedure and instructions for all participants in a study.
What are the three types of experimental designs?
- Independent groups
- Repeated measures
- Matched pairs
