scientific methods

• the independent variable is the variable that you change during an experiment
• the dependent variable is the variable you measure during an experiment
• an aim is developed from a theory
• a hypothesis is a statement which is made at the start of an experiment and is tested to see if it is true
• a directional hypothesis is when the results are predicted whereas a non - directional hypothesis is when the hypothesis is not committed to results
• operationalising is when you are precise and clear about what is being measured or manipulated. it makes the experiment testable, repeatable and accurate
• an extraneous variable is something that effects the study that the experimenter wouldn't have planned for. it affects the dependent variable
• a confounding variable is a failed to control extraneous variable. they affect both the independent and dependent variable
• mundane realism is when the materials and procedures used in the experiment are similar to real life
• null hypothesis - the opposite of what you think will occur, no data is shown to be true
• a situational variable is a factor in the environment that could effect the participants behaviour. some examples:

  • room temperature
  • noise
• standardise - keep everything the same for every participant to reduce situational variables