Variables Flashcards
What is the independent variable?
The variable which the experimenter changes to see how it affects behaviour
What is the dependant variable?
The variable that the experimenter measures (change in behaviour that occurs)
What are variables?
Anything in a study that can change or vary
What does operationalising mean?
Specifying a set of operations or behaviours that can be measured or manipulated
What are confounding variables?
Variables that affect the results and can give false results
What are participant results?
Variables connected with characteristics of an individual
Name 3 examples of participant variables
Age Intelligence Motivation Experience Gender Personality
What are the solutions to participant variables?
Matched pair design (morning and afternoon)
Randomly assign ps to conditions
Single blind technique
What are situation variables?
Variables connected with research situation
3 examples of situation variables
Temp Instructions Time of day Lighting Noise Materials used
What are extraneous variables?
Demand characteristics
Investigator effects
Single blind technique
Double blind technique
What are demand characteristics?
Cues in environment that encourages pps to behave in a particular way
What are investigator effects?
Aspects of researchers behaviour or appearance that lead pps to think or act in a particular way
What is single blind technique?
Pps not aware research aims or which conditions of experiment receiving
What is Double blind trial?
Experimentor and pps blind to aim of experiment or condition they are in
What are the solutions to extraneous variables?
Used standardised procedures and instructions
What is an aim?
A statement of what is going to be studied. Not a prediction
What is a hypothesis?
A bold statement written before research is carried out. Makes a prediction of what will happen. Fully operationalised.
What is a directional (one tailed) hypothesis?
Will have specific outcome that you expect to happen. E.g. People will do better in on condition that another
What is non directional (two tailed) hypothesis?
Less certain but know something will happen. Not sure what. E.g. There will be a difference between ps in one condition and ps in another condition
