Research Methods - Experimental Research Flashcards
Define: research method
A particular way of conducting a research study or investigation to collect data.
Define: experiment
A type of research method used to test whether one variable influences or causes change in another variable.
Define: variable
Something that can vary in amount or kind over time.
Define: independent variable
The variable that is manipulated
Define: dependent variable
The variable that is used to measure the effects of the independent variable.
Define: extraneous variable
A variable other than the independent and the depend variables.
In terms of cause and effect, the __________ variable is the cause and the __________ variable is the effect.
Independent, dependent
Why do researchers try to control the effects of extraneous variables?
To make sure that the independent variable has made the change to the dependent variable, not the extraneous variable.
Define the three types of extraneous variables
Participant variables: individual differences among the participants
Experimenter variables: personal characteristics of the experimenter
Situational variables: depending on the situation or external conditions
What is the difference between the experimental group and the control group?
The experimental group is exposed to the experimental conditions, ie. the independent variable is present
The control group is exposed to the control conditions, ie. The independent variable is absent
Can participants be part of both the experimental group and the control groups?
Yes
Define: random allocation
Participants are randomly allocated to the experimental or control group, and have an equal chance of being selected for either
2 advantages and disadvantages of experimental research?
Observes cause-effect relationship
Precise conditions can be replicated
Can’t control extraneous variables
Some things can’t be measured in a lab
