variables

• What is the aim of the lesson on research methods?

  To understand extraneous and confounding variables
• What is a hypothesis in research?

  A precise, testable statement about outcomes
• What does a null hypothesis state?

  No difference or relationship between variables
• What is a non-directional hypothesis?

  States a difference will be found, no direction
• What is a dependent variable?

  Variable that is being measured or observed
• What is an independent variable?

  Variable that is changed or manipulated
• What does operationalisation involve?

  Defining variables in measurable terms
• What are the steps to control extraneous variables in research?

  1. Identify potential extraneous variables
  2. Justify their impact on the study
  3. Suggest practical control methods
• What is an extraneous variable?

  A variable that could affect research data
• What is a confounding variable?

  A variable that did affect the research data
• How can extraneous variables affect research validity?

  If uncontrolled, they can skew results
• How could caffeine intake be controlled in a study on alcohol and memory?

  Participants agree to avoid caffeine for 24 hours
• What is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables in research?

  To ensure valid results from the study
• What is demand characteristics in research?

  Participants change behavior to support research aims
• What is the 'screw-you' effect?

  Participants disrupt results intentionally
• How can demand characteristics be controlled in research?

  Use a single-blind experimental technique
• What are investigator effects?

  Researcher influences results consciously or unconsciously
• How can investigator effects be controlled?

  Use a double-blind experimental technique
• What is randomisation in research?

  Presenting tasks in random order to avoid bias
• What is standardisation in research?

  Keeping all situational variables identical
• What are the key components of standardisation in research?

  • Same location for all participants
  • Identical equipment and materials
  • Consistent conditions (lighting, noise)
  • Standardised instructions given uniformly
• What did participants in Group A do in the memory experiment?

  Wrote down words immediately after hearing
• What did participants in Group B do in the memory experiment?

  Wrote down words after reading a book
• What is the purpose of operationalisation in research?

  To define behavioral categories clearly
• How could 'type of work' be operationalised in a study?

  Define specific tasks and behaviors observed
• What is one possible extraneous variable in the follow-up study with puzzle tasks?

  Participants' prior experience with puzzles
• How could prior experience with puzzles affect the study results?

  It may influence task completion speed
• How could the psychologist control for prior experience in the puzzle study?

  Screen participants for puzzle experience
• What should researchers consider regarding demand characteristics in their studies?

  Possibility of participants guessing the research aim
• What should researchers consider regarding investigator effects in their studies?

  Possibility of researcher bias influencing results
• How can randomisation and standardisation be used in research?

  To control for extraneous variables effectively
• What should be noted in a psychological research proposal?

  • Identify potential extraneous variables
  • Assess their impact on data
  • Suggest control methods
  • Consider demand characteristics
  • Evaluate investigator effects
  • Use randomisation and standardisation