Types of Variables

This type of variable changes in response to the other variable in an experiment. It is measured by the researcher.

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Extraneous Variable

• Confounding Variable

This type of variable is not measured by the researchers and may cause errors in the study. Researchers try to control these variables.

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Extraneous Variable

• Confounding Variable

This type of variable severely interferes with the results of the study if not controlled. They are a problem and should be avoided.

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Extraneous Variable

• Confounding Variable

This type of variable is manipulated/controlled by the researcher to see if it is related to a change in the measured variable of the study.

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Extraneous Variable

• Confounding Variable

Confounding variables are a type of extraneous variable. True or False?

• True

• False

A study wanted to look at whether the number of hours spent revising before the exam might affect English exam scores. Pick TWO statements which are true.

• Independent variable: Hours spent revising

• Independent variable: English exam score

• Dependent variable: Hours spent revising

• Dependent variable: English exam score

Which of the following extraneous variables could be a confounding variable for a study on how hours of revision affect English exam scores?

• Gender

• Temperature in the exam room

• Language spoken at home

• Age

Pick 3 ways Peterson & Peterson tried to control extraneous variables in their study on duration of short term memory.

• The room they did the test in was quiet.

• They only used psychology students in the sample.

• They used trigrams instead of words to avoid the effect of language ability.

• The number of seconds that participants did not rehearse the trigrams was the same.

Extraneous variables that may influence a study's results include participant and situational variables.

• OK!

• OK!

Pick the best definition for "Participant Variable".

• An extraneous variable that is characteristic or trait of a participant.

• An extraneous variable that causes ethical issues for participants.