What are some methods of control in experiments?
Elimination: Removal of the extraneous variable (e.g. noise)
Constancy: Keeping the extraneous variable constant between two or more conditions (e.g. equal levels of noise)
Counter-balancing: Controlling variables that vary over time (e.g. practice or fatigue) by altering the conditions so that the variables have an equal effect on both conditions
Randomisation: Extraneous variables are varied unpredictably (e.g. random number generator)
Single-blind: Range of techniques used to prevent the demand characterstics influencing the results. Participant is not told which condition (control or experimental) they are placed in
Double-blind: Experimenter is kept in ignorance until after the data has been collected so that his/her bias’ and expectations don’t influence the results.
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