experimental design variables
Overview
This lesson explores the fundamental principles of experimental design in psychology, focusing on how researchers structure studies to establish cause-and-effect relationships. We will delve into the critical role of variables, their different types, and how they are manipulated and measured to test hypotheses.
Introduction to Experimental Design
Experimental design is a cornerstone of scientific research in psychology, allowing researchers to investigate cause-and-effect relationships. Unlike correlational studies, which only identify associations, experiments involve the deliberate manipulation of one variable to observe its impact on anot...
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Key Concepts
- Experimental Design: A systematic approach to conducting research where an independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
- Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher; the presumed cause.
- Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that is measured by the researcher; the presumed effect.
- Extraneous Variables: Any variables other than the IV that could potentially affect the DV and therefore confound the results.
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Exam Tips
- →Always clearly identify the Independent Variable (IV) and Dependent Variable (DV) in any scenario or study described in the exam. State them precisely, not vaguely.
- →When asked to operationalize variables, provide specific, measurable details. For example, instead of 'memory', write 'number of words correctly recalled from a list of 20'.
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