Research Methods - Variables and how they are operationalised Flashcards
What is an IV?
The variable being manipulated (tested)
What is a DV?
The variable being measured (as an effect of the IV)
What does operationalise mean?
Where the concept being investigated is measurable so it can be tested
How do you operationalise a study?
Explain in detail what you are measuring - for example,
What is the benefit of operationalising research?
It allows the research to be replicated
What are extraneous variables?
An undesirable variable that might affect the relationship between the IV and DV
what are the two categories of extraneous variables?
- participant variables
2. situational variables
What is a participant variable?
Factors within a person that can vary over time or vary within a situation
What is a situational variable?
Factors that vary within an environment
What is an example of a participant variable?
Feeling alert mid-day but tired at night
What is a subject variable?
When factors vary between people
What is an example of a subject variable?
The best time of the day for being alert for one person is late at night, whereas for another it is early afternoon
What are some example of situational variables?
Number of people present in the situation
Time of day
Level of noise in a room
What does an extraneous variable become if it is not controlled for?
Confounding variable
What is a confounding variable?
A variable that has operated alongside the IV and is responsible for a change in the DV
