Experimental Method, Aims, IV, DV, CV, EV, etc

• What are the key components of research methods mentioned in the study material?

  Experimental method, Aims, Hypotheses, Independent and dependent variables, Operationalisation, Extraneous and Confounding variables
• What is the definition of a research aim?

  A general statement about what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study.
• What does the Experimental Method involve?

  Manipulating one variable to determine if changes cause changes in another variable.
• Why is high control important in the Experimental Method?


  It is necessary to test a hypothesis effectively.
• What is a suitable aim for the grass heads experiment?

  To investigate the effect of soil versus sand on grass seed growth.
• What is a hypothesis in research?


  A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated.
• What distinguishes a directional hypothesis from a non-directional hypothesis?

  A directional hypothesis states the direction of the difference or relationship, while a non-directional hypothesis does not.
• When should a directional hypothesis be used?

  When there are previous research findings that suggest a particular outcome.
• What is operationalisation in research?


  Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.
• What are extraneous variables?


  Any variable, other than the IV, that may have an effect on the DV if it is not controlled.
• How do confounding variables differ from extraneous variables?

  Confounding variables systematically affect the DV, while extraneous variables may randomly affect the results.
• Why is participant reactivity significant in experiments?

  Participants may change their behavior based on their understanding of the experiment, affecting the results.
• What are demand characteristics?


  Any cue from the researcher or research situation that may be interpreted by participants as revealing the purpose of the investigation.
• What is randomisation in research design?

  The use of chance to control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.
• What is standardisation in research studies?

  Using exactly the same, formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study.
• What are the differences between extraneous and confounding variables?

  • Extraneous Variables (EV):
  • May randomly affect the results
  • Ideally identified before the experiment
  • Confounding Variables (CV):
  • Systematically affect the DV
  • Found after the study has been conducted
• What is the relationship between intelligence and happiness as mentioned in the study material?

  Some studies suggest there may be a relationship between intelligence and happiness.
• Why was a directional hypothesis appropriate in the study about age and recall of medical advice?

  Previous research indicated that memory is poorer with age, suggesting a specific direction.
• What is a suitable directional hypothesis for the investigation of age and recall accuracy?

  There is a negative correlation between age and recall accuracy rating.
• What are the types of variables in research methods?

  • Independent Variable (IV)
  • Dependent Variable (DV)
  • Extraneous Variables (EV)
  • Confounding Variables (CV)
• What are the two levels of Independent Variable (IV) used in experiments?

  Control Condition and Experimental Condition
• What is the significance of controlling variables in an experiment?

  To ensure that the only factor influencing the DV is the IV.
• How can participant variables affect the DV?

  Individual differences between participants may influence the outcome of the DV.
• What are situational variables?

  Features of the experimental situation that may affect the DV.
• What is the purpose of operationalising variables?

  To make them precise, clear, testable, and repeatable.
• What is the difference between a hypothesis and a research aim?

  A hypothesis is a testable statement about the relationship between variables, while a research aim is a general statement about what the researcher intends to investigate.
• How do demand characteristics influence research outcomes?

  They may lead participants to change their behavior based on their interpretation of the research purpose.
• What is the role of investigator effects in research?

  They refer to any effect of the researcher's behavior on the research outcome.
• What is the significance of using standardised procedures in research?


  It ensures that all participants experience the same conditions, enhancing the reliability of the study.
• What is the purpose of randomisation in research design?

  To control the effects of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions.
• How do extraneous and confounding variables affect research validity?


  They can distort the results and lead to incorrect conclusions about the relationship between the IV and DV.
• What is the relationship between operationalisation and measurement in research?

  Operationalisation involves defining variables in measurable terms to facilitate accurate data collection.
• What is the definition of a non-directional hypothesis?

  A hypothesis that does not state the direction but simply states that there is a difference between conditions.
• When should a non-directional hypothesis be used?

  When there is no previous research or the findings are contradictory.
• How does the choice between directional and non-directional hypotheses impact research design?

  The choice influences how the research is framed and the expectations set for the outcomes based on previous findings.
• What is the significance of the Spearman’s rho test in the context of the intelligence and happiness study?

  It was used to analyze the correlation between intelligence and happiness scores.
• What does a correlation of +0.42 indicate in the intelligence and happiness study?

  It indicates a moderate positive relationship between intelligence and happiness at age 11.
• How can the findings of the intelligence and happiness study inform future research?

  They can guide researchers in exploring the nuances of the relationship between intelligence and happiness in different contexts.
• What is the importance of participant selection in research studies?

  It ensures that the sample is representative and can affect the generalizability of the findings.
• What is the role of the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

  The IV is the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable (DV).