RESEARCH METHODS- Variables Flashcards
What is an independent and dependent variable?
Independent-Something that is changed by researchers in an experiment.
E.g. In Bickman’s study of the effects of uniforms on obedience, the independent variable was the uniform of the person giving orders.
Dependent-Something that is measured by researchers in an experiment.
E.g. In Bickman’s study of the effects of uniforms on obedience, the dependent variable was how many people followed the orders.
What is an extraneous and confounding variable?
Extraneous-In addition to the variables actually being investigated (independent and dependent), there may be additional (unwanted) variables in the experiment.
Confounding-Researchers must control for extraneous variables to prevent them from skewing the results and leading to false conclusions. When extraneous variables are not properly controlled for they are known as confounding variables.
What is the operationalisation of variables?
Operationalisation of variables is where researchers clearly and measurably define the variables in their study.
What is a pilot study?
A pilot study is basically a practice run of the proposed research project.
