Research Methods Flashcards
Independant Variable
the
variable directly manipulated by
the researcher
Dependant Variable
the
variable being measured in a study.
Operationalisation
making
the variables in an investigation
detailed and specific.
Extraneous variable
a variable that is not controlled, which could affect the results of a study.
Confounding variable
an extraneous variable that affects
the results of the study so that
the effect of the IV is not truly
being seen.
Counterbalancing
where half of the participant group experience condition A then condition B, while the other half experience condition B then condition A.
Randomisation:
when participants are randomly assigned to condition A or B as their first or second test condition.
Single-blind technique
when information about the study is withheld from participants.
Double-blind technique
when the aims of the study are withheld from both participants and researchers.
Random allocation
when participants are randomly assigned to a condition of the study.
Null hypothesis
a prediction that the results will fail to show any difference (or relationship) that is consistent or systematic.
Alternative (experimental) hypothesis
a prediction of the outcome of a study based on what is expected to happen.
Directional hypothesis
a hypothesis that predicts the direction the results will go in.
Non-directional hypothesis:
a hypothesis that predicts that a difference/relationship will be found, but does not specify what the difference/relationship will be.
Experimental hypothesis
the name given to a hypothesis when used in field and laboratory experiments.
Target population
the group of people being investigated in a study.
