Variables and Experimental Design

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Independent Variable (IV)

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The part of an experiment that the researcher changes to see if it has an effect.

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Example of an Independent Variable

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In a study to see if music affects memory, the type of music (classical or no music) is the Independent Variable.

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Dependent Variable (DV)

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The part of an experiment that the researcher measures to see if it changes because of the Independent Variable.

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Example of a Dependent Variable

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In a study to see if music affects memory, the memory score (how much someone remembers) is the Dependent Variable.

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Control

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Conditions that are kept the same for all participants to make sure they don’t affect the results.

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Example of a Control

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In a study on coffee and alertness, the time of day participants are tested could be kept the same for everyone.

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Experimental Design

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The way participants are organized in the study. This includes how they are grouped or tested.

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Example of Experimental Design

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In a study comparing groups, one group might listen to music while another does not. This setup is part of the experimental design.

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What is the Independent Variable?

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The variable that the researcher changes to see its effect on the Dependent Variable.

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What is the Dependent Variable?

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The variable that the researcher measures to see if it changes due to the Independent Variable.