Research Methods Flashcards
Levels of the independent variable
the level of the IV is the number of different versions of the IV there are in an experiment
Independent variable
the IV is the variable the researcher is changing.
Dependent variable
the DV is the variable the researcher is measuring.
Operationalisation
operationalisation is when we define exactly how a variable is going to be measured
Extraneous variable
An extraneous variable is something other than the IV which affects the DV
How should scientists limit the effects of extraneous variable
Scientists try to control the extraneous variables
Confounding variable
A confounding variable is a type of extraneous variable that varies according to the level of the IV
What are the 2 ways in which a study can lack validity
A study lacks validity:
when a test doesn’t measure what it claims to measure, or
when confounding or extraneous variables affect the measurement
Face validity
Face validity is assessed by looking at a test to decide if it appears to measure what it claims to be measuring
Concurrent validity
Concurrent validity is assessed by comparing results from one test to results of another test measuring the same behaviour known to be valid
Participant variable
when the personal characteristics of a participant influence their behaviour and responses during a study
Situational variable
refers to anything external to the participant or researcher that may affect the results of the study
Investigator effects
Investigator effects occur when a researcher influences the results of their study
Demand characteristics
Demand characteristics are aspects of the study which lead participants to guess the aim of the study and form expectations about how they should behave
Standardisation
Standardisation is a way to control for extraneous variables, by making the procedures and extraneous variables the same for all participants
Matching
Matching is a way to control for participant variables, by making the experimental group and control group have similar characteristics
Random allocation
Random allocation is way to control for participant variables, by assigning participants at random to either the experimental or control group