Experimental method

• What is the definition of an experimental method?


  It involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable.
• What is the aim of a study?

  A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate.
• What is a hypothesis?


  A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated.
• What is the difference between a directional hypothesis and a non-directional hypothesis?


  A directional hypothesis states the direction of the difference, while a non-directional hypothesis does not.
• What are variables in an investigation?


  Any 'thing' that can vary or change within an investigation.
• What is the independent variable (IV)?


  Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher.
• What is the dependent variable (DV)?


  The variable that is measured by the researcher.
• What is operationalisation in research?


  Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
• What is an extraneous variable (EV)?


  Any variable other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable if not controlled.
• How do extraneous variables differ from confounding variables?


  Confounding variables vary systematically with the independent variable, affecting the dependent variable.
• What are demand characteristics?


  Any cue from the researcher or situation that may reveal the purpose of the investigation to participants.