PSYC 230 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Prosocial Behavior, Xerostomia, Dependent And Independent Variables
22 Jan 2020
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The variable in an experiment that is measured by an experimenter. The experimenter expects the dependent variable to be influenced by the independent variable. A measure designed to see if a manipulation truly puts people in the psychological state that the experimenter wishes to create. Administered a sham acupuncture (needle does not penetrate the skin) or a placebo pill to treat chronic arm pain (tendonitis) Side effects were congruent with the treatment. 25% of sham acupuncture group reported nonexistent needle pricks, red skin. 31% of the placebo pill group reported dry mouth and fatigue. Occurs when an experimenter unwittingly manipulates two or more things at once. The independent variable caused the observed changes in the dependent variable but the independent variable may not represent the construct the experimenter originally had in mind. Many alternative reasons besides the independent variable that got us to the conclusion. Those who found a dime helped more than those who did not.
