Research issues Flashcards
1
Q
what are the ‘unwanted factors’ in an experiment
A
- extraneous variables
- confounding variables
- demand characteristics
- investigator effects
2
Q
what are extraneous variables
A
- any variable other than the IV that can affect the DV if it is not controlled
- EVs are nuisance variables that interfere with the IV
3
Q
what are confounding variables
A
- a type of EV but is unpredictable
- occurs by surprise and cannot be controlled
4
Q
what are demand characteristics
A
- ppts will always try to figure out the purpose of an investigator which could make results unreliable
- clues given by the researcher (unintentionally) that enable ppts to guess the aim of the experiment
5
Q
what are investigator effects
A
- any effect of the investigators behaviour on the DV
- can cause demand characteristics or happen as a result of demand characteristics
6
Q
how can unwanted factors be overcome
A
randomisation and standardisation
7
Q
what is randomisation
A
- using chance methods
- reduces demand characteristics and investigator effects (unconscious bias)
- manipulating IV in different orders
8
Q
what is standardisation
A
- all ppts subject to same experience
- reduces EV
- all elements of experiment are the same
