Research Issues

What are extraneous variables?

Any variable, other than the IV, that may have an effect on the DV if not controlled.

Nuisance variables

What are demand characteristics?

Any cue from the researcher that may lead the participant to figure out the aim of the study

What are investigator effects

Any effect of the investigator (conscious or unconscious) that changed the results of the study

What is randomisation?

The use of chance to control the effects of bias when designing materials or the order of conditions

What is standardisation?

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in the study

What is a control group?

A group of participants that receive no treatment.Their behaviour provides a baseline for comparison

Examples of extraneous variables

• age

• personality

• IQ

What are some randomisation methods

rolling a dice, flipping a coin, name hat, name generator