Experimental Methods - Control Groups, Standardisation, and Randomisation

Vocabulary flashcards defining control groups, non-active placebo, standardisation, and randomisation based on the research methods lecture material.

Control Groups

Comparison groups used in experiments so researchers can identify the specific effects of what is being tested rather than just observing the effects of being part of a study.

Non-active Placebo

An inactive substance given to a control group in drug testing to ensure both groups are exposed to similar experimental conditions.

Standardisation

A way of dealing with extraneous variables by keeping all variables constant so all participants experience the same conditions, apart from differences in the independent variable.

Randomisation

A method of dealing with extraneous variables by randomly allocating participants to either the experimental group or control group, preventing the build-up of unwanted factors in any one group or condition.