Variables & Control

Question 1

VARIABLES

Answer 1

factors that can be changed or measure in an experiment

Question 2

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (IV)

Answer 2

• the variable under investigation and is manipulated to create 2 or more levels of IV
• expected to be responsible for the any changes in DV

Question 3

DEPENDENT VARIABLE (DV)

Answer 3

• variable that is measure
• expected to change under the influence of the IV

Question 4

OPERATIONALISATION

Answer 4

• clear definition of variables so they can be accurately manipulated, measured or quantified
• units of measure included
  IV e.g CONCENTRATION - measured through an exam to test memory retainment (grade/percentage)
  DV e.g GROWTH - measure increase in height (cm) every 3 months

Question 5

UNCONTROLLED VARIABLE

Answer 5

any variable (apart from IV) that could have unwanted effects on DV - not controlled by researcher

Question 6

CONTROLLED VARIABLE

Answer 6

variable that is held constant/standardised in all levels of IV

Question 7

CONTROLS

Answer 7

ways to keep potential uncontrolled variables constant - increase validity

Question 8

STANDARDISATION

Answer 8

keeping procedure the same for all participants - ensures only IV is affecting DV
- increases validity of measures
- increases reliability and replicability of studies
- easier to standardise in laboratory/controlled environment

Question 9

PARTICIPANT VARIABLE

Answer 9

potential uncontrolled variables caused by individual differences between participants (e.g gender)

Question 10

SITUATIONAL VARIABLE

Answer 10

potential uncontrolled variable caused by environment (e.g light)

Question 11

PILOT STUDY

Answer 11

preliminary test pf procedure to check for any effects of extraneous variables
- small scale
- few participants
- could save lots of money and time before large research project