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Task Variable
A task variable is a specific type of extraneous variable relating to the mechanics, materials, or procedures of the activity participants are asked to complete during a study. For example, whether a participant completes a task by hand or on a computer is a task variable. Because variations in how a task is administered can independently affect the dependent variable, they must be held constant.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Participant Variable
Situational Variable
Task Variable
Experimental Control
Experimenter's Sex as an Extraneous Variable
Standardizing the Procedure
Experimenter Expectancy Effect
Example of Extraneous Variables: Expressive Writing Experiment
Confounding Variable
Internal Validity
In the context of an experiment, what is an extraneous variable?
In a study examining whether caffeine improves focus, the amount of sleep a participant had the night before would be considered an extraneous variable if it varies between participants and could potentially influence the results.
In psychological research, factors other than the primary ones being studied can often influence the results. Match each research study with the specific factor that would act as an extraneous variable in that scenario.
A researcher conducts a study to see if 'Bright Lighting' (the factor being tested) improves 'Reading Speed' (the performance being measured). However, the group in the bright light reads an interesting novel, while the group in the dim light reads a technical manual. Arrange the following statements to represent the logical sequence of how this extraneous variable (Topic Interest) creates ambiguity in the study's results.
True or False: In experimental research, an extraneous variable is defined as any factor that varies within the context of a study other than the specific variables being investigated.
In an experiment, why does the presence of an extraneous variable that varies within the study make it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables?
When a researcher evaluates the validity of a claim that one factor caused a change in another, they must determine if any additional factors fluctuated during the study. A factor that varies in the context of the study other than the ones being specifically investigated is known as a(n) _____ variable; its presence requires the researcher to judge the study's conclusions as inconclusive because the true cause of the results cannot be isolated.
A researcher is conducting an experiment to see if a new mnemonic strategy improves memory recall. Match each element of this research study to its correct classification.
A researcher designs an experiment to measure the effect of cell phone use on reaction times. If the participants' age varies throughout the study and potentially affects reaction times, the researcher must recognize age as a/an _____ variable because it is a factor other than the independent and dependent variables that could introduce competing influences.
Order the steps a researcher should take to evaluate and manage potential threats to internal validity from factors outside the primary hypothesis.
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Example of Extraneous Variables: Expressive Writing Experiment
In psychological research, what is the definition of a task variable?
In a study examining reading comprehension, if a researcher provides one group of participants with a paper-based text and another group with the same text on a computer screen, this difference in how the task is administered is an example of a task variable.
A researcher is conducting a study on memory performance. To ensure the results are valid, they need to identify various factors that could interfere with the study. Match each research scenario to the type of variable it represents.
A researcher is developing a study to evaluate how different genres of music affect memorization speed. To ensure the results are valid, the researcher must systematically address any potential task variables. Arrange the following steps in the correct logical order for a researcher to evaluate and control for the influence of task variables during the design phase.
In psychological research, why is it essential for a researcher to hold task variables, such as the specific materials or the procedures used during an activity, constant across all experimental groups?
A researcher compares the balance of two groups by asking participants to stand on one leg for as long as possible. Group 1 performs the task while wearing heavy hiking boots, while Group 2 performs it in thin socks. If the researcher concludes that Group 2 has better innate balance, they are ignoring a(n) _____ variable that could account for the performance difference based solely on the materials used in the activity.
In psychological research, a variable that specifically relates to the mechanics, materials, or procedures of the activity participants are asked to complete is known as a(n) _____ variable.