In a study investigating reading speed, a cognitive psychologist obtained a volunteer sample of 10 university students. Using a repeated measures design, participants were asked to read two different factual text extracts as quickly as possible.
The tasks were counterbalanced across participants, and the time taken (in seconds) to complete reading each extract was recorded.
Table 1: Times taken (in seconds) to complete Task A (e-reader) and Task B (tablet)
| Participant | Task A (e-reader) | Task B (tablet) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 71 | 85 |
| 2 | 62 | 69 |
| 3 | 55 | 65 |
| 4 | 80 | 92 |
| 5 | 68 | 74 |
| 6 | 93 | 110 |
| 7 | 49 | 55 |
| 8 | 76 | 83 |
| 9 | 64 | 78 |
| 10 | 88 | 98 |
Identify one possible extraneous variable that the researcher should have controlled in this study. Explain how this variable might have affected the results of the study if it was not controlled.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 689 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
