variables

• What is the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

  The variable that is changed by the researcher
• What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  The variable that is measured in response to the IV
• What are extraneous variables?

  Additional or unwanted variables identified at the start of a study that are controlled or removed by the researcher.
• Why are participant variables important in research?

  They are individual differences that may affect the dependent variable.
• What are situational variables?

  Features about the experimental situation that may affect the dependent variable.
• What are confounding variables?

  Variables that change the independent variable and are usually identified after.
• Why must extraneous variables be eliminated?

  To prevent them from becoming confounding variables.
• What are the methods to control variables in research?

  • Standardisation
  • Counterbalancing
  • Randomisation
  • Single Blind Study
  • Double Blind Study
• What is counterbalancing in research?

  It attempts to balance out the effects of order between two conditions.
• What is a single blind study?

  A study where the participant is unaware of the research aims or conditions they are receiving.
• What is a double blind study?

  A study where neither the participant nor the researcher knows the research aims or conditions.
• What is randomisation in research design?

  The use of chance to control for the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.
• What are order effects in research?

  Effects that occur due to the order in which conditions are presented to participants.
• What is investigator effects?

  Any effect of the investigator’s behavior on the research outcome.