WHAT IS AN EXPERIMENT ?
*** An experiment is a study where you manipulate one variable and measure
the resulting behavior
A. The independent variable is the one manipulated by the experimenter
(sometimes called a factor)
*** The IV is the "cause"
*** A specific category of the IV is a condition of the IV
(also called a level or treatment)
*** A condition of the IV is determined by random assignment
*** The control group receives a zero amount of the IV
*** The experimental group receives a nonzero amount of the IV
*** Can use confederates to manipulate the IV
B. The dependent variable is the one you measure and you hope changes*** The DV is the effect*** The DV is the behavior of interest
C. Can have an intervening variable that exists between the IV & DV
*** Most common one is "thinking"
*** A quasi-experiment is when you can't manipulate the independent
variable (must take the preexisting value)