Variables

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

The variable being manipulated (only in an experiment)

Question 2

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 2

The variable being influenced by the independent variable, which can be measured (only in an experiment)

Question 3

What is an extraneous variable?

Answer 3

A variable other than the IV that has an effect on the DV and should be predictable

Question 4

What is a confounding variable?

Answer 4

An uncontrolled extraneous variable that moves in time with the IV and has an effect on the DV, so is present in one condition but not another meaning it can’t be predicted

Question 5

What does operationalised mean?

Answer 5

Defining the variables clearly so that they can be objectively manipulated or measured (give a number)

Question 6

What is cause and effect?

Answer 6

Trying to reduce extraneous variables to see how manipulation of the IV influences the DV (shown in participants’ behaviour) (only in an experiment)