Variables

• Independent variable (IV): Aspect manipulated by researcher, effect on DV is observed, there are at least 2 levels of this in an experiment, Dependent variable: Variable researcher measures to investigate IV impact
• Important to precisely operationalise IV and DV; clearly state how they’re measured, makes it easier to replicate studies; increasing reliability, and objectivity, also easier for psychologists to determine if its valid research
• Extraneous variable: Variable, not IV but could affect DV if not controlled, and Confounding variable: Uncontrolled extraneous variable that affected study results so IV effect of the IV is not truly seen
• Situational Variables: Extraneous variable related to situation study was conducted in (e.g. noise, weather, heat), and Participant Variables: Extraneous variables related to participants (e.g. mood, personality, fatigue, intelligence, age)