variables Flashcards
independent variable
The variable a psychologist changes or manipulates to try and discover a cause-effect relationship with the dependent variable
dependant variable
A variable that is infuenced by another variable; the independent variable. The dependent variable is measured to see the effect of the manipulation of the independent variable.
control group
A group of participants in an experiment that is not exposed to the variable being tested
operationalisation
Putting variables into a form in which they can be measured
extraneous variable
Any variable other than the independent variable which could affect the dependent variable if not controlled
confounding variable
A variable which has an unintentional effect on the DV
situational variables
Aspects of a participants environment or the task that might affect their behaviour in the study e.g. the lighting or temp of the room
participant variables
characteristics of individual participants that might influence the outcome of a study e.g. age, intelligence,sex
demand characteristics
Cues in an experiment which may indicate the research’s purpose to the participants
investigator effects
When a researcher unintentionally influences the outcome of their research
standardisation
procedures/ materials are kept the same for all participants. they’re subjected to the same environment, information and experience.
randomisation
the use of chance to minimise the researchers influence on the design/ materials/ procedures of the investigation. eg- word list order
standardised instructions
explains the procedures of the study relevant to the participant, checks understanding of this, informs on debrief,remind on right to withdraw and give opportunity to ask questions
