variables

Question 1

What is an extraneous variable

Answer 1

Any other variable than the IV that may affect the DV if not controlled

(extra)
(nuisance variable)
(don’t vary systematically with IV)

Question 2

What can happen to the validity of the study if ev are present

Answer 2

It can compromise the validity of

Question 3

What is a confounding variable (CV)

Answer 3

When EV isn’t controlled and therefore affects study

• varies systemically with IV so you can’t tell if change in DV is due to IV or CV

Question 4

In psychology experiments are typically done on humans. What are some examples EV that can affect the experiments ?

Answer 4

age
height
weight
experiences
beliefs
mental health (disorders)
deformities/disabilities
economic status
gender

Question 5

What can EV be subdivided in - types of EV

Answer 5

Situational variables
Participant variable

Question 6

Situational variables meaning

Answer 6

These are features of a research situation that may influence the participants behaviour

Question 7

Examples of situational variables

Answer 7

ANY ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLE:

Investigator effects
Demand characteristics
Time of day
Noise levels

Question 8

Two types of situational variables

Answer 8

Demand characteristics

Investigator effects

Question 9

What is demand characteristics

Answer 9

This is any cue from the researcher that may lead to the participants figuring out the purpose/ aim of the investigation which could potentially lead the pps changing their behaviours

Question 10

What is the please-U effect

Answer 10

When the pps behave in a way they think is expected and overperform to please the experimenter

Question 11

What is the screw-U effect

Answer 11

When the pp deliberately underperform to sabotage the results of the study

Question 12

Demand characteristics are all the cues which convey to the participant the purpose of the study. Suggest possible sources for these demand characteristics (think of atleast 4)

Answer 12

1. The actual communication during the study: the instructions and any implicit clues from non-verbal communication
2. What the participants may already have heard about the study; e.g. from other participants
3. The way the participant is approaches initially and asked to volunteer
4. The type of person that the researcher is: whether he or she is formal or relaxed

Question 13

What is investigator effects

Answer 13

This is any effect of the investigator’s behaviour (conscious/unconscious) on the research outcome (DV) .

May include everything from the design of the study to the selection of and interaction with pps during the research process

Question 14

Why is it important to control these when conduction research

Answer 14

To produce valid,reliable data

It can effect the outcome of the research especially the validity of the overall research study