A) Evaluating experimental research

Question 1

experimental environment examples

Answer 1

• noise control
• temperature control
• lighting control
• distraction control
• stimuli presentation

Question 2

perceptual considerations examples

Answer 2

• adjusting to lighting
• viewing distance
• after image

Question 3

experimental considerations examples

Answer 3

• number of trials
• blocks and breaks
• randomisation
• fixation control
• instructions

Question 4

stimuli presentation - the refresh rate:

Answer 4

how many times per second the image on the monitor is renewed

Question 5

perceptual considerations: viewing distance

Answer 5

distance between ppt and screen can impact on the quality of the sensory information and thus, the speed and accuracy with which we can identify items on the screen

Question 6

adjusting to lighting

Answer 6

dark and light adaptation simply means getting accustomed to lesser or greater levels of environmental illumination.

Question 7

after image

Answer 7

an image that continues to appear in the eyes after a period of exposure to the original image due to continued photochemical activity

Question 8

best practice of the testing environment (4)

Answer 8

-control nose and temp
-where possible have no windows and usr constant and controllable light in a location that will prevent glare on the screen
-ensure computer settings are to match your computers refresh rate and screen resolution
-ensure you can adjust chair and monitor

Question 9

best practice of perceptual considerations (3)

Answer 9

• give ppt time to adjust to lighting
• considering using masks to have better control over stimulus presentation times
• use a chin rest to standardise viewing distance if appropriate

Question 10

best practice of experimental procedure (4)

Answer 10

-consider number of trials and blocks carefully
-make sure randomisation procedure fits the design
-the instructions should be considered carefully and standardised
-make sure you have included fixations to control where tour ppt are looking when presenting visual stimuli for short durations

Question 11

why is a strict experimental procedure important

Answer 11

by carefully considering the criteria for who can or cannot take part in your experiment you can add further control