0910 Cc2413 Ans Supplementary Ex2

CC2413 Fundamental Psychology for Health Studies Supplementary Exercise #2: Research Methods Attempt the following questions for each case provided:

1) What is the independent variable (IV)? How do you operationally define (OD) it? OD: Specify the exact type, the amount, the frequency and period of time of the IV.

2) What is the dependent variable (DV)? How do you operationally define it? OD: Specify how to objectively measure the dependent variable,

3) What is the hypothesis in the case? 1. Stated the hypothesis in a way that is testable, which means that it can be supported or refuted by observing and comparing the differences between the experimental group and the control group.

2.

For example: The group that exercises in the morning (OD: jogging for 20 km in 30 minutes per day for a month before 11:00am each day) will loss more percentage of the body weight than the group that exercises in the evening (OD: jogging for 20 km in 30 minutes per day for a month after 6:00pm each day)

3.

To be even more precise, can specify how much differences in DV are expected between the experimental group and control group? What is the meaning of more active (i.e. run 10 more minutes in an hour) after eaten sweets? What is the meaning of enhanced memory (i.e. score 10 more points on the test) after listening to music while studying? How much more weight loss in percentage should be defined as a better effect (i.e. loss 5 more percent) on weight loss?

4) How would you set up the experimental and control group for

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413

the experiment?

1.

Start from a careful selection of the relevant population, and draw a representative sample with the use of random sampling

2.

Use of random assignment to assign the experimental group and the control group to ensure that the two groups are basically similar/balance/match on key characteristics

3.

Use of the double-blind procedure, deception, placebo treatment to minimize the potential harm of human expectations (if applicable)

4.

Set up identical conditions and treatments (i.e., same instructions, same environment, same test, etc.) for both groups, make sure that the only difference between two groups is the IV

5.

State clearly the standards and procedures for measuring the DV

6.

State the expected results if you compare the data from both groups. Draw the conclusion accordingly.

5) Is there any possible confounding variable in the experiment? If so, how would you like to counteract it? Examples of possible confounding variables for the following cases could be memory abilities of the participants, placebo effect, physical fitness, personality of the children, etc. However, with careful planning and control measures, such as the use of random assignment and placebo treatment, the confounding or extraneous variables should be avoided or minimized in most cases. IV

DV

Hypothesis

Case One: A psychology teacher believes that the provision of photos and cartoons in notes will enhance students’ memory (retention). Design an experiment to support her belief. Case Two: A new drug has been developed and reported to prevent

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413

seasickness. Design an experiment to test the drug’s effectiveness. Case Three: A personal trainer at a fitness center suggests to his clients that exercise in the morning will have a better effect on weight loss than exercise at night. Design an experiment to test whether this is a valid advice. Case Four: A student insists that alcohol consumption will not interfere with snowboarding skills. Design an experiment to test the belief. Case Five: Many parents assert that children who have eaten sweets will become more active afterwards than those who have not. Design a study to test whether this assertion is true or not.

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413