Specific research designs (experiments and quasi-experiments) typically involve the manipulation of different variables. Name and describe the three kinds of variables relevant to experiments.

What will be an ideal response?


Ans: The three kinds of variables relevant to experiments are independent, dependent, and extraneous. An independent variable is one that is actively manipulated (i.e., changed) by the experimenter. Experiments involve at least two levels (i.e., variations) of an independent variable. Participants who are exposed to a level of an independent variable are said to be in a particular experimental condition (e.g., warm-setting condition). Experiments often involve more than one independent variable. A dependent variable is one that is measured by the experimenter to determine if it changes in response to the manipulation of the independent variable. An extraneous variable is one that the experimenter wishes to hold constant across levels of the independent variable so as to rule it out as a possible reason why the dependent variable changes in accordance with the manipulation of the independent variable.
Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Research Designs: True Experiments
Difficulty Level: Medium

Psychology

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