Research Results Can Be Influenced If a Researcher Unconsciously Behaves

question 215

Multiple Choice

Research results can be influenced if a researcher unconsciously behaves differently toward subjects in the various groups based on his or her preconceived notions. This is called

• A) experimenter bias.
• B) demand characteristics.
• C) selection bias.
• D) the placebo effect.

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Definitions:

Double-Blind Control

A study or experiment design in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment, to prevent bias.

Experimenter Bias

A form of bias introduced into a study's results due to the experimenter's expectations, attitudes, or behavior affecting the subjects' performance or responses.

Independent Variable

The factor in a study that the investigator alters to examine its impact on the outcome variable.

Dependent Variable

Refers to the variable in an experiment that is expected to change as a result of variations in the independent variable.