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Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes an independent variable in an experimental research design?
Which of the following best describes an independent variable in an experimental research design?
- A variable whose value is controlled by the participants
- A variable whose value is determined by the experimenter (correct)
- A variable whose value is observed and measured in the experiment
- A variable whose value depends on the level of the dependent variable
In an experimental research design, what is the purpose of manipulating an independent variable?
In an experimental research design, what is the purpose of manipulating an independent variable?
- To expose subjects to different values or levels of the variable (correct)
- To control extraneous variables
- To observe and measure the value of the variable
- To establish a causal relationship
What is a dependent variable in an experimental research design?
What is a dependent variable in an experimental research design?
- A variable whose value is determined by the experimenter
- A variable whose value you observe and measure in the experiment (correct)
- A variable whose value depends on the level of the independent variable
- A variable whose value is controlled by the participants
What is the purpose of having an experimental group in an experiment?
What is the purpose of having an experimental group in an experiment?
What is the purpose of having a control group in an experiment?
What is the purpose of having a control group in an experiment?
Which of the following is the best way to control extraneous variables in an experiment?
Which of the following is the best way to control extraneous variables in an experiment?
What is the term used to describe the situation when two or more variables combine in such a way that their effects cannot be separated?
What is the term used to describe the situation when two or more variables combine in such a way that their effects cannot be separated?
Which of the following is true about confounding variables and internal validity?
Which of the following is true about confounding variables and internal validity?
What is the term used to describe the unwanted variable causing confounding?
What is the term used to describe the unwanted variable causing confounding?
Is it possible to eliminate all confounding variables in an experiment?
Is it possible to eliminate all confounding variables in an experiment?
Which of the following is the best way to control extraneous variables in an experiment?
Which of the following is the best way to control extraneous variables in an experiment?
What is the term used to describe the unwanted variable causing confounding?
What is the term used to describe the unwanted variable causing confounding?
What is the purpose of having an experimental group in an experiment?
What is the purpose of having an experimental group in an experiment?
Is it possible to eliminate all confounding variables in an experiment?
Is it possible to eliminate all confounding variables in an experiment?
Which of the following is true about confounding variables and internal validity?
Which of the following is true about confounding variables and internal validity?
Which of the following is true about observational studies?
Which of the following is true about observational studies?
What is the primary difference between an observational study and a designed experiment?
What is the primary difference between an observational study and a designed experiment?
What is the goal of research studies?
What is the goal of research studies?
What is a random sample?
What is a random sample?
What is a nonrandom sample?
What is a nonrandom sample?
Study Notes
Independent and Dependent Variables
- Independent variable: The factor manipulated by researchers to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
- Purpose of manipulating the independent variable: To establish causation by determining how changes influence outcomes measured in the dependent variable.
- Dependent variable: The outcome measured in an experiment that is expected to change due to the manipulation of the independent variable.
Experimental and Control Groups
- Experimental group: Receives treatment or manipulation; used to observe effects of the independent variable.
- Control group: Does not receive treatment; provides a baseline for comparison to assess the effects of the independent variable on the experimental group.
Extraneous Variables and Confounding
- Best way to control extraneous variables: Randomization, which helps distribute variables evenly across groups.
- Term for combined effect of variables that cannot be separated: Confounding; occurs when influences from multiple variables overlap.
- Confounding variables can threaten internal validity, as they may provide alternative explanations for observed results.
- Unwanted variable causing confounding: Confounding variable.
- Eliminating all confounding variables is impossible; the goal is to minimize their influence as much as possible.
Observational Studies
- True about observational studies: Researchers observe subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.
- Primary difference between observational study and designed experiment: In an experiment, the independent variable is actively manipulated, whereas in observational studies, researchers simply observe outcomes based on existing conditions.
Research Studies Goals and Sampling
- Goal of research studies: To discover relationships, make predictions, or test hypotheses to contribute to knowledge.
- Random sample: A subset of the population where every individual has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring representativeness.
- Nonrandom sample: A subset where selection is based on subjective criteria, potentially leading to bias and non-representative results.
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Description
Test your knowledge on experimental research with this quiz! Learn about the two main features of manipulating independent variables and controlling extraneous variables. Challenge yourself with questions on experimental design and conditions associated with different levels of variables.
