Research issues

control group

• in experiment with independent groups, the one receiving no treatment

• behavior - baseline against which effect of IV is measured

Experimental group

group exposed to the changed IV

participant reactivity

extent to which participant’ behavior, thoughts, responses change just because they’re aware they’re observed, taking part in a study

demand characteristics

• any cue from researcher, situation that can be interpreted by participants revealing the true purpose of investigation

• leads to change in behavior within research situation

please-U-effect

participant acting in a way they think is expected and over perform to please the experimenter

screw-U-effect

participant deliberately underperforming to sabotage

Investigator effects

• any effect of investigator’s behavior (un/conscious) on the outcome/DV

• includes everything - design, selection, interaction with participants during the study, materials, instructions

• unconscious cue, expectancy effects, leading questions

randomisation

use of methods to control effects of bias when designing materials, deciding order of conditions

standardisation

• using exactly the same formalized procedures and instructions for all participants in a study

• environment, information, experience, instructions