Variables

• Variables are anything that can be measured and observed. We use them to measure the effect on one another
• A correlational study is how strongly two variables are associated or linked (describe the relationship between two variables)
• In an experiment the researcher is looking for a difference between two variables
• In a correlation the researcher is looking for a relationship between the two variables
• An independent variable is the variable that is manipulated/controlled by the experimenter
• A dependent variable is the outcome which is measured
• CO-variables are used in correlation studies and our used to measure the link between the variables, neither one are controlled
• Extraneous variables are any variables that MIGHT (could have but haven't yet) have an effect on the dv eg. ability to concentrate and must be controlled incase they become confounding
• Confounding variables are uncontrolled extraneous variables that HAVE had an effect on the results
• Situational variables are variables in research (eg unexpected noise) that can affect the dependent variable. A way to fix this is standardised procedures
• Standardised procedures are when all participants experience all the same environment and materials.
• Pilot studies are used as a smaller version of the actual study to test for problems
• Participant variables are individuals qualities like their IQ or poor memory. Randomisation is used to have a variety of differences to balance the study
• Order effects is when the order tasks take place effect the outcome
• a way to stop order effects is counterbalancing when tasks are completed in opposites (once in the morning then at night) AB BA
• Demand characteristics are cues that participants notice that might indicate the purpose of the research. Low levels of deception are used to avoid this
• Researcher effects are when the researcher her has preconceived ideas on the outcome and struggle to remain objective during the study and influence the results either intentionally or unintentionally
• To stop researcher effects standardised instructions are used
• Operationalization means turning abstract conceptual ideas into measurable observations