Research methods - Research issues

Question 1

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 1

Any variable, other than the independent variable, that may affect the dependent variable if not controlled

Question 2

What are confounding variables?

Answer 2

A kind of extraneous variable but varies systematically with the independent variable

Question 3

What are demand characteristics?

Answer 3

Any cue that may be interpreted by the participants as revealing the purpose of an investigation - may lead to the participant changing their behaviour

Question 4

What is randomisation?

Answer 4

The use of chance methods to control for the effect of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions

Question 5

What is standardisation?

Answer 5

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study