AP PSYCHOLOGY

RESEARCH METHODS THINKING CRITICALLY WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND DESCRIPTION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
In an experiment, it is essential to control for extraneous variables so that
A
There is a probability that the results will be obtained by chance
B
A valid conclusion can be made about the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable
C
A valid conclusion can be made about the effect of the dependent variable on the independent variable
D
The hypothesis is supported and the results of the experiment can be generalised to the broader population
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -If you don’t control relevant extraneous variables, they may influence the outcomes of your study, and you may not be able to demonstrate that your results are really an effect of your independent variable.

Detailed explanation-2: -An extraneous variable is eliminated, for example, if background noise that might reduce the audibility of speech is removed. Unknown extraneous variables can be controlled by randomization. Randomization ensures that the expected values of the extraneous variables are identical under different conditions.

Detailed explanation-3: -Hence, all the other variables that could affect the dependent variable to change must be controlled. These other variables are called extraneous or confounding variables. Extraneous variables should be controlled were possible, as they might be important enough to provide alternative explanations for the effects.

Detailed explanation-4: -Confounding refers to an error that occurs when the value of an extraneous variable changes systematically along with the independent variable; an alternative explanation for the finding that then threatens internal validity.

There is 1 question to complete.