U2: Variables Flashcards
What is an IV?
The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable
Give an example of an IV in a study about plant growth and light exposure
Light exposure
What is the DV?
The variable that is measured to see the effect of changes in the independent variable.
Give an example of an DV in a study about plant growth and light exposure
Height of a plant in cm.
What is an extraneous variable?
Variables other than the IV that could affect the DV if not controlled.
Why are extraneous variables a problem in research?
they affect the results meaning we are not testing what we intended to.
what do EV’s become if not controlled at the start of the study?
Confounding variables
Name the 3 types of EV’s
situational
participant
experimenter
Define situational variables
Environment-related variables
Give an example of situational variables
temperature
task difficulty.
Define participant variables
Characteristics of participants
Give an example of participant variables
age, IQ, or personality.
Define experimenter variables
influences from the researcher
Give an example of experimenter variables
investigator effects
- tone of voice
- uniform
- the way instructions are read out
- body language
- facial expressions
Define confounding variables
Variables that unintentionally influence the DV, making it unclear if the results are due to the IV or the confounding variable.
