RM L2: Extraneous variables -

Question 1

What is a standardised procedure?

Lesson 2

Answer 1

• Where all participants follow the same order of events within a study
• Only difference is the level of IV ppt is exposed to
• standardised location, instructions, materials === stantardised procedure
• The more a procedure is standardised the more likely it can be repeated
• adds to strengthening validity as it eliminates other variables that could have direct/indirect effect on the DV

Question 2

What are extraneous variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 2

• variables that can influence the relationship between IV + DV
• Can affect the outcome of the experiment

Question 3

What are uncontrolled variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 3

• variables that cannot be controlled by the researcher
• Variables can lower the validity of the findings
• Nature, weather, environment

Question 4

What are participant variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 4

• Variables the participant brings to the study
• Affect the DV rather than the IV
• Prejudice, gender, personality, IQ, previous experience with similiar tasks

Question 5

What are the 2 ways of controlling participant variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 5

1. Participants randomised to each level of IV > hoped that variables will balance themselves out
2. Repeated measures can be used where possible > if all ppts take part in all levels of IV then the ppt variables are controlled

Question 6

What are situational variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 6

• Variables that the situation brings to study
• Affects DV more than IV
• Noise, temperature, lighting, weather

Question 7

What are the 3 ways of controlling situational variables?

Lesson 2

Answer 7

• situation where study takes place can be stantardised > controlling temperature + controlling noise levels
• If using repeated measures > ensure counterbalancing is used
• Double blind technique can be used > where researcher does not know the full aim of study and follows stantardised procedure

Question 8

What are demand charecteristics?

Lesson 2

Answer 8

• When participants behaviour is influenced by aim of study (not natural)
• Aspects of a study which put pressure on participants to act in ways that are expected of them