lab experiments

• what are the 3 main features of a lab experiment?

  independent variable

  dependent variable

  extraneous variable
• what is the independent variable as a main feature of lab experiments

  the variable that is manipulated

  reflected in the conditions of the experiment
• what is the dependent variable as a main feature of lab experiments?

  the variable that is measured
• what is the extraneous variable as a main feature of lab experiments?


  the variable that is controlled

  they are variables that are not the IV that could impact the DV
• what can extraneous variables include?

  participant variables

  situational variables

  experimenter variables
• what are participant variables as an extraneous variables?

  participant's age, intelligence and ability
• what are situational variables as an extraneous variable?


  the experimental setting and surrounding environment - temperature, lighting and noise levels
• what are experimenter variables as an extraneous variable?


  personality, appearance and conduct of the researcher.
• if an extraneous variable has a systematic effect on the DV, it becomes a confounding variable.
• what is operationalisation?


  defining the variables precisely