The Experimental Method - Identifying Variables

Question 1

What is unique about the experimental method?

Answer 1

it is the only research method in psychology that tests, and can establish cause and effect, that is the experimenter changes or manipulates something, it will cause a predicted effect (the results).

Question 2

Define independent variable

Answer 2

the characteristic of an experiment that is manipulated or changed by the researcher.

Question 3

Define dependent variable

Answer 3

the variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation.

Question 4

Define extraneous variable

Answer 4

any variable not being investigated that has the potential to affect the outcome of a research study.

Question 5

Define confounding variable

Answer 5

factors other than the independent variable that may cause a result.

Question 6

Define participant variable

Answer 6

any characteristic or aspect of a participants background that could affect study results, even though it is not the focus of the experiment.

Question 7

Define situational variable

Answer 7

factors in the environment that can impact an individuals level of obedience/performance. eg room temperature or background noise.

Question 8

Define researcher variable

Answer 8

any characteristic of the researcher that has the potential to impact the results of the experiment.