2. Variables

• What are the two types of variables mentioned in the specification?

  Extraneous and confounding variables
• What is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables in an experiment?

  To prevent distortion of results
• What is an extraneous variable?

  Any variable that may affect the DV
• How do confounding variables differ from extraneous variables?

  Confounding variables systematically affect the DV
• What are demand characteristics?

  Cues that reveal the study's purpose
• What are investigator effects?

  Effects of the investigator's behavior on results
• What is randomisation in experimental design?

  Use of chance to control bias
• What does standardisation ensure in an experiment?

  All participants experience the same conditions
• Why are extraneous variables controlled in an experiment?

  To ensure the IV is the only influence on the DV
• What are participant variables?

  Characteristics of individual participants
• What are situational variables?

  Features of a study that influence behavior
• What are the three types of situational variables?

  1. Order Effects
  2. Environmental Effects
  3. Participant Effects
• What are order effects in research?

  How question positioning influences outcomes
• What are environmental effects?

  Effects of environmental factors on outcomes
• What are participant effects?

  When cues bias participant behavior
• What is the Hawthorne Effect?

  Increased attention affects participant behavior
• What is the Screw-you Effect?

  Participants sabotage the study's results
• What is evaluation apprehension?

  Worry about researcher findings affects behavior
• What is social desirability bias?

  Participants present themselves positively
• How do confounding variables affect the DV?

  They change systematically with the IV
• What is participant reactivity?

  Participants alter behavior due to awareness
• How can investigator effects manifest in a study?

  Through researcher behavior affecting outcomes
• What is the role of randomisation in experiments?

  To minimize the influence of bias
• What does standardisation prevent in research?

  Non-standardised changes acting as extraneous variables
• What are the steps to control extraneous variables?

  • Identify potential extraneous variables
  • Control or remove their influence
  • Ensure only the IV affects the DV
• What are the implications of demand characteristics in research?

  • Participants may alter behavior
  • Results may not reflect true behavior
  • Validity of the study is compromised
• What are the implications of investigator effects in research?

  • Researcher behavior can bias results
  • Study design may influence outcomes
  • Standardisation is crucial to minimize effects
• What are the consequences of uncontrolled confounding variables?

  • Misinterpretation of results
  • Difficulty establishing cause and effect
  • Reduced validity of the study
• What is the significance of controlling participant variables?

  • Enhances the validity of the study
  • Reduces variability in results
  • Ensures accurate measurement of the DV
• What is the importance of controlling situational variables?

  • Minimizes external influences on behavior
  • Ensures consistency across conditions
  • Enhances reliability of the findings