24: The Basic Experiment: Theory + Variables

The Basic Experiment

• Theory
  • An educated guess about a relationship
  • Typically in generic form, not real specific

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  • • Variables
      • A variable is any characteristic that can vary or differ either within or between groups
      • Typically there are at least two in all research:
        • Independent – the variable that is manipulated by the experimenter (the input variable)
        • Dependent – the unknown variable that is being measured (the outcome variable)

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        • • Variables must be defined precisely

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