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AQA Psychology - Research Methods - Control of Variables

Psychology18 CardsCreated about 1 month ago

You control extraneous variables to ensure that the results of an experiment reflect a true cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables, rather than being influenced by other factors.

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Why do you control extraneous variables?

To show experiments result are cause and effect

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Key Terms

Term
Definition

Why do you control extraneous variables?

To show experiments result are cause and effect

What is an extraneous variable?

  • All variables (which are not the IV)

- Could effect results of investigation

What are four types of extraneous variables?

  • Situational variables

  • Participant variables

  • Investigator effects

  • Demand characteristics

What is confounding variables?

  • Systematically change with IV

- Cannot show if change in DV is caused by IV or confounding variabl...

What is demand characteristics?

Any cue from the researcher or research situation that may reveal the aim of the study

What is investigator effects?

Effect of investigator’s behaviour on the outcome of the

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AQA Psychology - Research Methods - Control of Variables
TermDefinition

Why do you control extraneous variables?

To show experiments result are cause and effect

What is an extraneous variable?

  • All variables (which are not the IV)

- Could effect results of investigation

What are four types of extraneous variables?

  • Situational variables

  • Participant variables

  • Investigator effects

  • Demand characteristics

What is confounding variables?

  • Systematically change with IV

- Cannot show if change in DV is caused by IV or confounding variables

What is demand characteristics?

Any cue from the researcher or research situation that may reveal the aim of the study

What is investigator effects?

Effect of investigator’s behaviour on the outcome of the

What is randomisation?

The use of chance when designing investigations to control for the effects of bias

What is standardisation?

Use exactly the same formalised procedure for all participant in a research study

What is a control group?

  • Setting up a comparison
    - Help establish causation

What is inter-rater reliability?

Independent raters rate same behaviour as researcher – check for agreement

What is situation variables?

Aspects of the environment that might affect the participant’s behaviour

How to reduce situation variables?

Standardised procedures

What are examples of situation variables?

e.g. noise, temperature, lighting conditions

What is participant variables?

Each participant varies from the other, and how this could affect the results

What are examples of participant variables?

e.g. mood, intelligence, anxiety, nerves, concentration

What can be done to reduce participant variables?


  • Random allocation

- Order effect

What can effect participant variables?

Experimental design

What is social desirability bias?

  • Changing behaviour to act in line with what is considered socially acceptable

  • Not be representative of participants