Research Issues

• What are extraneous variables (EV)?


  Any variable other than the independent variable (IV) that may affect the dependent variable (DV), if it is not controlled.
• What are confounding variables?


  A type of extraneous variable that varies systematically with the IV. Therefore, we can’t tell if any change in the DV is due to the IV or the confounding variable.
• What are demand characteristics?


  Any cue from the researcher or from the research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation, leading participants to change their behaviour within the research situation.
• What are investigator effects?


  Any effect of the investigator’s behaviour (conscious or unconscious) on the research outcome (the DV). This may include everything from the design of the study to the selection and interaction with participants during the research process.
• What is randomisation?


  The use of chance methods to control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of experimental conditions
• What is standardisation?


  It is using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.
• What is the Hawthorne effect?


  It is present when the increased attention given by the researchers is a confounding variable in the study. It may lead the participant to try harder than usual to impress the researcher
• What is Social Desirability bias?


  It occurs when participants note aspects of the study that have to do with particular social norms or expectations and in turn present themselves in what they deem a socially acceptable fashion.

  e.g. When asked if they’ve stolen before, participants may lie to avoid presenting themselves in a bad light