VARIABLES AND CONTROL

• Dependent Variable (DV)


  The factor which is measured in the study to assess the effect of the IV, e.g. number of items recalled, time taken, number of imitative acts
• The DV must be quantitative, it is impossible to have a qualitative DV
• Independent Variable (IV)


  The factor which is changed/manipulated to observe the effect it has on the DV
• A laboratory experiment must use an IV that has been implemented by the researcher, not a naturally-occurring factor
• Extraneous variables


  Any factors that intrude upon and adversely affect the DV (not the IV)
• Extraneous variables


  • Time of day, temperature, mood
  • They are usually controlled so they have the same effect across all conditions
• Confounding variables


  Extraneous variables that are not controlled and can affect the DV and impact the outcome of the research
• Operationalising variables


  The process of transforming variables into measurable factors
• All variables have to be operationalised, meaning they have to be clearly defined and set in motion
• If not all variables are measured properly, it can make the results unreliable and affect the validity of the research