Confounding variables

• What is a confounding variable?


  A variable that researchers do not control that may affect the outcome
• What is the independent variable in an experiment?


  The variable that researchers manipulate to see its effect
• How does the independent variable relate to sleep deprivation in a study?


  It is manipulated to see its effect on sleep deprivation
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?


  The variable that researchers will measure or record
• How might researchers measure memory in a study?

  By asking participants to recall as many images as they can from a selection
• What are confounding variables also known as?


  Extraneous variables
• Why is it important to control confounding variables?


  To ensure that the results are valid and not influenced by other factors
• What could be an example of an extraneous variable affecting a study?


  Distractions and caffeine levels that could affect memory performance
• What should researchers do about extraneous variables?


  Find ways to eliminate or control them
• What is an example of a confounding variable in a sleep study?


  Temperature in the room
• How can individual differences act as confounding variables?


  They can affect participants' performance in a study
• What is the relationship between confounding variables and the validity of a study?


  Confounding variables can threaten the validity of the study's results
• If a researcher fails to control for caffeine intake, what might be the consequence?


  Caffeine could confound the results related to memory performance
• What are the key differences between independent, dependent, and confounding variables?

  • Independent Variable: Manipulated by researchers to observe effects
  • Dependent Variable: Measured or recorded to assess the impact of the independent variable
  • Confounding Variable: Not controlled, may influence the dependent variable's outcome
• What strategies can researchers use to control extraneous variables?

  • Random assignment of participants
  • Standardizing procedures
  • Controlling the environment (e.g., temperature, noise)
  • Using matched pairs design