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AQA Psychology - Research Methods > Control of Variables > Flashcards

Flashcards in Control of Variables Deck (18)
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1
Q

Why do you control extraneous variables?

A

To show experiments result are cause and effect

2
Q

What is an extraneous variable?

A
  • All variables (which are not the IV)

- Could effect results of investigation

3
Q

What are four types of extraneous variables?

A
  • Situational variables
  • Participant variables
  • Investigator effects
  • Demand characteristics
4
Q

What is confounding variables?

A
  • Systematically change with IV

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

5
Q

What is demand characteristics?

A

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

6
Q

What is investigator effects?

A

Effect of investigator’s behaviour on the outcome of the

7
Q

What is randomisation?

A

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

8
Q

What is standardisation?

A

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

9
Q

What is a control group?

A
  • Setting up a comparison

- Help establish causation

10
Q

What is inter-rater reliability?

A

Independent raters rate same behaviour as researcher – check for agreement

11
Q

What is situation variables?

A

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

12
Q

How to reduce situation variables?

A

Standardised procedures

13
Q

What are examples of situation variables?

A

e.g. noise, temperature, lighting conditions

14
Q

What is participant variables?

A

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

15
Q

What are examples of participant variables?

A

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

16
Q

What can be done to reduce participant variables?

A
  • Random allocation

- Order effect

17
Q

What can effect participant variables?

A

Experimental design

18
Q

What is social desirability bias?

A
  • Changing behaviour to act in line with what is considered socially acceptable
  • Not be representative of participants