B. Experimental variables - the characteristics the researcher is studying. Experimental and control conditions 1. Experimental condition - the condition or group in which subjects receive some amount of the independent variable. Control condition - the condition or group in which subjects do not receive any amount of the independent variable. Subjects are treated the same in all other respect and are similar to experimental condition subjects.
Random assignment balances individual differences among subjects between the two groups.
A fake treatment or placebo controls for the expectation of control condition subjects. To control the effects of the expectations of subjects and experimenters. Limitations of experimental research 1. The setting is artificial and subject's behavior may differ from real life. Dignity and welfare of subjects must be respected.