Define the term 'confounding variable' and the term 'extraneous variable' as described in the 'Lighting and Worker Productivity' experimental design. For each term, identify the specific example from the text that illustrates how noise functions in that role.
Question: Define the term 'confounding variable' and the term 'extraneous variable' as described in the 'Lighting and Worker Productivity' experimental design. For each term, identify the specific example from the text that illustrates how noise functions in that role.
Sample answer: A confounding variable is one that varies systematically with the independent variable, providing an alternative explanation for the outcome. In the text, this is illustrated by loud noise being present only when the lights are bright. An extraneous variable is any variable other than the independent and dependent variables that does not vary systematically and thus does not disrupt causal claims. In the text, this is illustrated by noise being present equally under both bright and dim lighting conditions.
Key points:
- Confounding variable is defined as varying systematically with the independent variable, providing an alternative explanation.
- Extraneous variable is defined as a variable other than the independent or dependent variables that does not disrupt causal conclusions.
- Loud noise present only during the bright-light condition is a confounding variable.
- Noise present equally under both bright and dim conditions is an extraneous variable.
Rubric: To earn full credit, the student must: 1) Correctly define a confounding variable. 2) Identify the text's example of a confounding variable (noise present only when lights are bright). 3) Correctly define an extraneous variable. 4) Identify the text's example of an extraneous variable (noise present equally under both lighting conditions).
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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