7.1.2.3 Extraneous and Confounding Variables

• Why are confounding variables problematic in research?

  They obscure the effect of the independent variable
• What confounding variable was present in the new study technique scenario?

  Environment
• How do confounding variables impact research?

  They affect the dependent variable's outcome
• How do confounding variables affect research outcomes?

  They make it difficult to determine true relationships
• In the new study technique scenario, what is the independent variable?

  Study method
• What is the purpose of controlling extraneous variables?

  To maintain internal validity of research
• What are confounding variables?

  Factors that vary systematically with the independent variable
• What was the expected outcome in the new study technique scenario?

  Improved performance
• What are confounding variables?

  Variables that can affect the outcome of an experiment
• How do the methods of standardization, random assignment, and counterbalancing help in research?

  • Minimize impact of extraneous variables
  • Focus on true effects of independent variable
• How can extraneous variables influence research results?

  They can impact performance if uncontrolled
• What is random assignment in research?

  Randomly assigning participants to groups
• What are the methods for controlling confounding variables?

  • Randomization
  • Counterbalancing
  • Matching
• How can random assignment be executed in a study?

  Using a random number generator for group assignment
• In a memory test, which extraneous variable might affect results?

  The time of day participants take the test
• What are extraneous variables?

  Factors affecting research outcomes not studied
• How does the environment act as a confounding variable in studies?

  • Different environments affect focus and performance
  • Quiet library vs. noisy cafe
• In a study on music while studying, what could be a confounding variable?

  Room noise during the study
• What is the purpose of randomization in experiments?

  To ensure no bias by randomly assigning participants
• Why might the time of day be an extraneous variable?

  Participants may perform better when alert
• What is the purpose of counterbalancing in research?

  To eliminate order effects in conditions
• How can researchers control for confounding variables?

  • By randomizing participants
  • By matching participants on key characteristics
  • By using statistical controls in analysis
• How do extraneous variables differ from confounding variables?

  Extraneous variables don't systematically vary with the independent variable
• What are confounding variables?

  • Vary with the independent variable
  • Influence the dependent variable
  • Example: Study environment affecting performance
• What was the expected outcome in the caffeine study scenario?

  Higher test scores with caffeine
• What is the benefit of controlling extraneous variables in a study?

  It ensures measurement of the independent variable's effect
• What is counterbalancing in experimental design?

  Varying the order of conditions to balance order effects
• What are the common methods for controlling extraneous variables?

  • Standardization
  • Random Assignment
  • Counterbalancing
• How can room temperature act as an extraneous variable?

  A cold room could distract participants
• What are confounding variables?

  Distractions that affect research results
• Do confounding variables cause systematic variation?

  Yes
• Why did the actual outcome differ from the expected outcome in the caffeine study?

  Morning alertness influenced test performance
• How does randomization differ from standardization?

  Randomization ensures initial group similarity, unlike standardization
• Why is it important to identify confounding variables in research?

  To ensure accurate interpretation of results
• In what way does participant mood serve as an extraneous variable?

  Stress or happiness can affect task performance
• How can standardization be implemented in an experiment?

  By giving identical instructions to all participants
• What was the actual outcome in the new study technique scenario?

  Better results in quiet library
• How do extraneous variables affect research?

  They distort data and influence results
• Why did the actual outcome differ from the expected outcome in the new study technique scenario?

  Quiet environment boosted concentration
• How might you implement counterbalancing in a music test?

  Some students take the test first, others second