Kinesiology 2032A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Artificiality

• School: Western University
• Department: Kinesiology
• Course: Kinesiology 2032A/B
• Professor: Lindsay Nagamatsu

Document Summary

Reduces ambiguity in the interpretation of results. One variable is manipulated and a second variable is measured. If a variable is held constant, it can"t be responsible for the results of the experiment. The only difference b/w groups should be the variable that you"re manipulating. Randomization: controlling for the effects of extraneous variables by ensuring that the variables operate in a manner determined entirely by chance. Researcher assigns participants to 2 groups in a random fashion. This is an important distinction b/w experimental and non-experimental methods. Limitations of experimental method: artificiality of experiments. High degree of control + laboratory setting may create artificial atmosphere that may limit questions that can be addressed or the generality of the results. Acute stress in labs may not reflect the stress and its effects that you encounter in your every day life: effect of the laboratory environment. You can be more nervous when being monitored: ethical & practical considerations.