Research Methods Flashcards
Independent variable.
The variable that is changed by the experimenters.
Dependent variable.
The variable that is being measured.
Extraneous variable.
Variables that are not the IV that may affect the outcome of the experiment.
Confounding variable.
A variable that has impacted the results of an experiment that is not the IV.
Control condition.
The group in an experiment where the IV is not present.
Experimental condition.
The group in an experiment where the IV is present.
Lab experiment.
An experiment in an artificial environment with the aim of controlling most extraneous variables.
Field experiment.
An experiment in the real world where the IV is still controlled.
Natural experiment.
Also known as a Quasi-experiment. An experiment in the real world where the IV is not controlled.
Independent measures design.
Where each group does a different thing in an experiment.
Repeated measures design.
Where every groups does every condition of the experiment.
Matched participants design.
Where participants are matched between groups by age, gender, IQ, etc., to reduce participant variables.
Standardization.
Keeping the procedure for each participant the same to ensure any differences between participants and conditions are due to the IV instead of the way the participants were treated.
Reliability.
The extent to which the study is consistent and can be repeated with similar results.
Internal validity.
Is the study valid within the context it is being studied. Did the study research what it set out to.
External validity.
The extent to which the study can be applied to the wider world.
Ecological validity.
The extent to which the study can be applied to real life.
Generalisability.
The extent to which the results of a study can be applied to a wider group.
Mundane realism.
Does the study match behaviours/things in the real world.
Self-report.
When a participant gives you information about themselves. (Interview, survey, questionnaire)
Questionnaire.
A form of self-reporting where participants answer a series of questions non-verbally.
Closed question.
Easy to analyze with yes or no, number, etc. based questions.
Open question.
A question that requires more detailed, in-depth answers that are harder to analyze.