PSCH 242 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Confounding, Dependent And Independent Variables, Internal Validity
Document Summary
Compares two or more (pre-existing) groups on a certain variable, (iv): categorical, (dv): continuous (mostly, can also be categorical) Narrower focus: predetermined exactly what constructs to measure. Standardized procedures: variables always measured the same way. Confounding variables: variables that vary along with the independent variable (co-variation) Variables that we have failed to keep constant between groups. Confounding variables is a major concern in differential research, because groups are pre- existing. Correlational and differential studies examine relationships between measured variables. Correlational and differential studies address concerns about confounding variables differently. Correlational: measure and statistically control for influence of confounding variables. Differential: tease apart the influence of confounds by pre-selecting the most appropriate comparison group. Possible alternative explanations for the results (confounding variables) Mundane realism extent to which experiment is similar to real-life situation. Psychological realism extent to which psychological processes triggered during an experiment are similar to those that occur in everyday life situations of interest.
