PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Dependent And Independent Variables, Scientific Theory, Confounding
Document Summary
Research methods: various approaches to empirical studies. Experiment: manipulates variable to see if changes occur in second variable. Step 2: select the research method and design the study: Step 4: analyze the data and draw conclusions: Dependent variable thought to be affected when independent is changed. Experimental group subjects who receive special treatment. Control group similar subjects do not receive special treatment that experimental get. Variables other than independent that influence dependent variable. Two variables linked together makes difficult to sort out their specific effects. Everyone has equal chance of being assigned to a group. Serving as own control group within-subjects design. Two or more independent variables of subjects are exposed to manipulation between subjects. Manipulate more than one independent variable: benefits to see if two variables interact. Third possible to use more than one dependent variable. Permits conclusions about cause and effect relationships. Great control artificial: field experiment settings that aren"t real.
