research methods

Question 1

confounding variables

Answer 1

varies systematically with the IV - but is not the IV (has an effect on the dependent variable)

Question 2

extraneous variables

Answer 2

nuisance variables that have an effect on the DP - but doesn’t vary systematically with it

Question 3

internal validity

Answer 3

the degree to which the observed effect was due to the experimental manipulation and not the confounding/extraneous variables

Question 4

external validity

Answer 4

the degree to which results can be generalised to other settings. e.g. population, historical, ecological validity

Question 5

mundane realism

Answer 5

refers to whether a study is realistic enough and reflects the true circumstances of the world

Question 6

directional hypothesis

Answer 6

states the direction between the two conditions

Question 7

non-directional hypothesis

Answer 7

predicts there will be a difference without stating the direction between the two conditions

Question 8

pilot study

Answer 8

small-scale study to test the design to see if any modifications need to be made

Question 9

confederate

Answer 9

someone in a study who has been instructed how to behave by the investigator