Variables Flashcards
What is an extraneous variable
Any variable that might affect the DV (measure ) that is not the variable the experimenter manipulated (IV)
What is an example of an extraneous variable
E.g if pps naturally have good memories this may impact the results in a memory test)
What is a confounding variable ?
A variable that is not the IV but varies systematically with the IV.
What is an example of a confounding variable ?
E.g time of day study :PPs may perform better mid-morning than late afternoon . The result measured in the dependent variable may therefore be due to the confounding variable rather than the IV itself
What is control in a study
An attempt by the researcher to ensure that no extraneous variable effects the dependent variable
What is an example of an control in a study
Lab
What is mundane realism
A quality that the research is said to has ,if it is conducted in a setting that is close to real life and marries the natural environment of the PP. it is not artificial or contrived
What is generalisability
This is the ability to generalise the,results of the research beyond the particular unique setting and apply it to the real life . A study can have high realism but still lack generalisability
What is an example of generalisability
A study may be conducted in a real life setting however all the PPs may be student (representation /population validity)
What is internal validity
Whether a study is testing what it has intended to test
(If the IV has affected the DV or if an extraneous variable has affected the DV)
What is external validity
The ability to generalise research findings to other settings
(Ecological validity ) , other groups of people ( population validity ), over time ( historical validity’)
What is an independent variable
A variable that is manipulated by the researcher – or changes naturally.
What is an dependent variable
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should be
