Experimental Variables and Controls Quiz

Dependent variable is what is observed and measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Control variable remains unchanged to isolate the effects of the independent variable.

Qualitative variables are descriptive and do not have numerical values.

Controlled variables are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure consistency.

Longitudinal study is an observational research method, not an experimental design.

Discrete variables have distinct, separate values and cannot be subdivided.

Continuous variables can take on any value within a given range and can be subdivided.

Categorical variables have distinct categories or groups and cannot be quantified.

Independent variable is what is manipulated by the researcher.

Control group serves as a standard of comparison for the experimental group.

Independent variable is controlled and manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured and observed as a response to changes in the independent variable.

Randomization helps to evenly distribute potential confounding variables among different groups.

Placebo helps to differentiate between the actual treatment effects and psychological responses.

Replication confirms the reliability and validity of the findings by repeating the experiment.

Standardization ensures that measurements are consistent across different observers and settings.

Within-subjects design may result in order effects where the sequence of treatments affects the outcome.

Pretest-posttest design evaluates the change in participants over time and assesses the effectiveness of a treatment.

Random assignment ensures that participants are assigned to experimental groups randomly, reducing the likelihood of bias.

Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment and control groups but still compare groups.

Confounding variables are external factors that may influence the outcome and need to be controlled.

Blinding prevents bias by keeping participants unaware of their assigned treatment.

Crossover design helps to control for carryover effects by administering treatments to each participant in a different sequence.

Counterbalancing ensures that all treatment orders are equally represented to eliminate the influence of order effects.

Matched pairs design matches participants based on relevant variables to control for individual differences.

Factorial design explores how multiple independent variables interact to influence the dependent variable.