research methods - variables

• What is the main focus of the research methods and psychology video discussed?

  The video covers variables in research methods.
• Why is it difficult to see causal relationships in research?

  Because the world is chaotic and many variables change simultaneously.
• What is the purpose of manipulating and measuring variables in an experiment?

  To hold most variables the same while observing changes in others.
• What are the types of variables mentioned in the video?

  • Independent variables
  • Dependent variables
  • Covariables
  • Extraneous variables
  • Confounding variables
• What do researchers do in correlational studies?

  They measure covariables and compare them to find relationships.
• What types of relationships can exist between covariables?

  Positive and negative relationships.
• What can researchers claim in correlational research?

  They can say two covariables are associated, but not that one causes the other.
• What is an independent variable in an experimental setup?

  It is the variable that the researcher manipulates.
• Give an example of an independent variable in an experiment.


  Whether a participant is given a drug or a placebo.
• What is operationalization in research?

  It is specifying exactly how a dependent variable is measured.
• How might a researcher measure the effectiveness of anger management therapy?

  By measuring the reduction in scores on a hostility questionnaire.
• What can researchers claim if they control for other variables in an experiment?

  They can claim to have shown a causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
• What are extraneous variables?


  They are any variables other than the independent variable that could influence the dependent variable.
• What are demand characteristics in research?


  They are cues that participants pick up on that suggest how they should behave.
• What are participant variables?

  Characteristics like age, gender, and cultural background that can influence behavior.
• What are situational variables?

  Environmental factors that could influence performance, such as noise or temperature.
• What are order effects in a repeated measures design?

  They are effects that occur due to the order in which conditions are completed, such as practice or fatigue.
• What is a confounding variable?

  A variable that changes systematically with the levels of the independent variable.
• How could exhaustion act as a confounding variable in a study on body movement and memory recall?

  If one group is more fit than the other, exhaustion could affect their recall ability.
• What happens if extraneous variables are not controlled in an experiment?


  They can become confounding variables and affect the validity of the results.
• How can researchers control extraneous variables?

  • Use random allocation and matched pairs for participant variables
  • Implement counterbalancing for order effects
  • Establish standardized procedures for situational variables
  • Conduct single and double-blind trials to reduce demand characteristics and investigator effects
• What is random allocation in research?


  It is assigning participants to different groups randomly to control for participant variables.
• What is matched pairs design in research?

  It involves measuring a participant variable and matching participants based on their scores across groups.
• What is counterbalancing in research?

  It is a method to control for order effects by splitting participants into groups that experience conditions in different orders.
• What are standardized procedures in research?

  They are a set of guidelines to ensure all participants have the same experience except for the independent variable.
• What is a single-blind trial?

  It is when participants are unaware of the true nature of the experiment.
• What is a double-blind trial?

  It is when both the participants and the researchers are unaware of the true aims of the experiment.
• What is the purpose of a pilot study?

  To identify and correct extraneous variables before conducting the full-scale study.
• What is peer review in research?

  It is when researchers present their study to experts for feedback before publication.
• What can happen after peer review?

  The researcher may need to redo the study to address any identified extraneous variables.
• What resources are available on psycboost.com for students and teachers?

  • Over 170 videos for qualifications
  • Bonus resources for Patreon supporters
  • Tutorial videos and a Discord channel
• What support does the creator of the video thank at the end?

  • Students and teachers who supported on Patreon
  • Patrons at the developer level