control in experiments

• What is a possible method for random allocation?

  Names in a hat or computer system
• What can experimenter effects lead to in a study?

  Bias in the outcome of the experiment
• What is one way experimenters can introduce bias?

  By knowing the aim of the study
• How can experimenters' characteristics affect a study?

  They can introduce bias based on appearance
• What is the double blind technique?

  Neither researcher nor participant knows conditions
• Why is the double blind technique important in drug trials?

  To prevent bias in administering drugs
• What does standardisation involve in experiments?

  Keeping all extraneous variables the same
• What is a pilot study?

  A small scale trial study before the main investigation
• What is one purpose of conducting a pilot study?

  To identify problems in the study method
• How can pilot studies improve full-scale studies?

  By allowing adjustments before the main study
• What is one strength of an independent groups design?

  Participants are naïve to the study
• What is a limitation of using an independent groups design?

  Individual variation among different participants
• Why did the psychologist conduct a pilot study?

  To check instructions and timings are adequate
• What is standardisation in experiments?

  Keeping all conditions the same
• What is counterbalancing used for?

  To prevent order effects in repeated measures
• How does counterbalancing work?

  Participants do conditions in different orders
• What is randomisation in research?

  Using chance to decide order or conditions
• Why is randomisation important in studies?

  It prevents bias in the investigation
• How might random allocation be carried out in a study?

  Using a computer-generated technique
• What could happen if random allocation is not used?

  It may lead to biased results
• What is the purpose of using a matched-pairs design?

  To control for participant variables
• What is one extraneous variable in a running performance study?

  Type of music played
• Why is it important to control extraneous variables?

  To ensure changes in the DV are due to the IV
• What does counterbalancing help to control?

  Order effects in repeated measures
• What is the ABBA design in counterbalancing?

  Participants do conditions in alternating order
• How does counterbalancing distribute order effects?

  Equally across both conditions
• What is the main goal of randomisation in research?

  To eliminate bias in participant assignment
• What is one method of randomisation?

  Using a computer-generated random list
• How can randomisation affect the validity of a study?

  It enhances the study's internal validity
• What could happen if randomisation is not implemented?

  Results may be biased and invalid
• What is the purpose of using standardised instructions?

  To ensure all participants receive the same information
• What is one characteristic of a matched-pairs design?

  Participants are paired based on similarities
• Why is it important to use a matched-pairs design?

  To control for participant variables
• How does a matched-pairs design differ from an independent groups design?

  Matched-pairs uses similar participants, independent does not
• What is the significance of using a repeated measures design?

  It reduces participant variability across conditions
• What is one advantage of using a repeated measures design?

  Fewer participants are needed overall
• What is one disadvantage of using a repeated measures design?

  Order effects can influence results
• How can order effects be minimized in a repeated measures design?

  By using counterbalancing techniques
• What is the role of the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

  It is manipulated to observe effects on the DV
• What is the dependent variable (DV) in an experiment?

  It is measured to assess the effect of the IV