research methods: control of variables

Question 1

what is an extraneous variable

Answer 1

any variable, other than the IV that may have an effect on the DV if it’s not controlled.
they do not vary systematically with the IV
e.g. age of participants, lighting in lab

Question 2

what is a confounding variable

Answer 2

any variable, other than the IV that may have affected the DV so we cannot be sure of the true source of the changes to the DV
vary systematically with the IV

Question 3

what are demand characteristics

Answer 3

any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by the participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation. this may lead to the participant changing their behaviours within the research situation.

Question 4

what can happen as a result of demand characteristics

Answer 4

of the participants thinks they know the aim of the study, they may show the ‘please-U’effect’ or the ‘screw-U-effect’

Question 5

what are investigator effects

Answer 5

any effect of the investigators behaviour on the research outcome.

Question 6

what is standardisation

Answer 6

using exactly the same formalized procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.