Variables Flashcards
What is an independent variable?
The variable that the researcher has changed/manipulate
what is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured (affected by the IV)
What is a control group?
A group in an experiment that resembles the participants but is not subjected to a factor under the study
why is a control group used?
so the researcher can establish if the IV is causing the change in behaviour or if it’s other factors
What is an operationalised variable?
A variable that has been defined in a way that can be measured
What is an extraneous variable?
A variable other than the IV that could affect the DV if not controlled
What is a confounding variable?
Uncontrolled extraneous variables that may affect the DV
What is a situational variable?
Aspects of the participants environment/task that may affect their behaviour in the study
how can you control situational variable?
By having standardised experimental procedures and test conditions
What is a participant variable?
characteristics of the individual e.g. age sex intelligence that may influence the outcome of a study
These are difficult to control
What are demand characteristics?
cues in the environment that a participant can use to work out the aim of a study
This will lead to social desirability effects
how can you control demand characteristics?
By using different participants in each condition or counterbalancing
do not release too much info about the aim/procedure and instructions and consent form
What are investigator effects?
unintentional influence of the researchers behaviour on participants/data
such as: body language, personality, and gender
How can you control investigate effects?
Using more than one researcher or Interrater reliability
How can you minimise investigator effects in an interview?
- standardised script for interviewers
- Trained interviewers
- Same gender interviewers for ppts
What is standardisation?
keeping procedures within an investigation the same for all participants
They should be subject to the same environment/experience
What is randomisation?
Using chance to minimise the research as influence on the design/procedure
What are the benefits of randomisation?
eliminate investigator effects bc Investigator that has no control
What are the purpose of standardised instructions?
Explain the procedure of the study and check participants understand the instructions
What must you include in standardised instructions?
what the participants will be expected to do
Ask them if they understand
Ask if they have any questions
