Y1 Week 2_Controlling Variables in Experiments

What is the primary purpose of controlling variables in an experiment?

• To increase the sample size

• To establish cause-and-effect relationships

• To ensure ethical standards are met

• To simplify the experimental design

Which of the following is an example of a controlled variable?

• The independent variable

• The dependent variable

• A variable kept constant to ensure reliability

• A confounding variable

In a study examining the effect of sleep on memory recall, which of the following could be a confounding variable?

• The amount of sleep participants get

• The age of the participants

• The type of memory tasks used

• The setting in which the study takes place

Which method is considered the best for controlling extraneous variables?

• Random sampling

• Matching participants

• Standardizing procedures

• All of the above

What is the term for variables that vary systematically with the IV so we cannot be sure of the true source of the change to the DV, thus distorting the results?

• Extraneous variables

• Controlled variables

• Confounding variables

• Dependent variables

True or False: Random assignment helps to control for individual differences among participants.

• False
• True

True or False: The independent variable is the variable that researchers try to control in an experiment.

• True

• False

True or False: Controlling variables can improve the internal validity of an experiment.

• True

• False

Define what an extraneous variable is and provide an example.

Describe two methods researchers can use to control extraneous variables in their studies.