chapter 7

Question 1

experiments

Answer 1

An experiment is a mode of observation that enables researchers to probe casual relationships

• Used for well suited research projects involving limited and well defines caoncepts and propositions
• Small group interaction

Question 2

3 components of classical experiment

Answer 2

1. Independent and dependent variables
   - Experiment looks at the effect of independent variable on dependent variable
   - Independent is typically the stimulus of the experiment
   - Dichotomous variable
   o : variable that has only two attributes : also called binomial variable
   o Can be present or not present
   o Compares what happens when stimulus is present and when not
   - Need to both be defines to be used in experiment
2. Pretesting and post testing
   - Pretesting
   o : measurement of subjects in terms of dependent variable
   o Ex: test prejudice before experiment
   - Post testing
   o Subjects are remeasured in terms of the dependent variables
   o Can be an issue if the subjects realize what you are testing and want to appear good therefore skewing the results
   o
3. Experimental and control groups

Question 3

The Double-Blind Experiment

Answer 3

• : where neither the subject nor experimenters know which is the control and which is the experiment group

Question 4

what did the Hawthorne effect show

Answer 4

need for control

Question 5

• Pygmalion effect

Answer 5

o : difference in study outcomes attributable to the researcher’s expectations of participants

Question 6

Natural and field experiments

Answer 6

• Natural
  o Could not have arranges even if willing to do so
  o Independent variable is out of their control
• Field
  o Execute experimental designs in real world conditions

Question 7

selecting subjects

Answer 7

Probability sampling
- Begins with sampling frame
o Composed of all the people in the population under a study
Random assignment
- Numbering all subjects and assigning based on random generator
Matching
- Connection with experiments the procedures whereby pairs of subjects are matched
- Description of experiment group should be the same as the control group
- Ex: subjects are 12 young white men assign 6 of them to control and the other to experiment group and

Question 8

matched or random assignment

Answer 8

• Matching
  o May not know variables in advance to match
• Random
  o Most stats used to analyze the results assume randomization
   Makes using stats less meaningful

Question 9

internal invalidity

Answer 9

is the possibility that conclusion drawn is not accurate due to what has gone on in the experiment itself

Question 10

internal

history

Answer 10

• Historical events may occur that will effect experiment result
• Ex: peopleinterna with flying fear and a big story of a crash

Question 11

 Maturation

Answer 11

• People are continuously growing and changing and thus changes the results of an experiment
• Long experiments
o Subjects grow older and wiser? May have an effect
• In short experiment
o Get tired or bored

Question 12

 Testing

Answer 12

• Testing and retesting changes peoples behaviour

Ex; pretest then post test the subjects will be more

Question 13

 Instrumentation

Answer 13

• If use different measures in pretest and post test

Question 14

 Statistical regression

Answer 14

• Start out with extreme score on dependent variables so the change is just due to such extreme
• Ex: 100% on math test but get 85% next time

Question 15

 Selection bias

Answer 15

• Selecting people with bias

Question 16

 Experimental mortality

Answer 16

• People in experiment drop out before completion

* Ex; drinking pill to reduce alcoholism and person drops out

Question 17

 Casual time order

Answer 17

• Rare

* Time and order of stimuli’s

Question 18

 Diffusion or imitation of treatments

Answer 18

• When control and experimental groups can communicate with one another they could pass elements of the stimulus to the control group
• Ex; math help so person discusses with control group a trick

Question 19

 Compensation

Answer 19

• Control group is deprived of something so there is a pressure to give more compensation
• Ex: hospital staff feels bad for control group and gives them more care

Question 20

 Compensatory rivalry

Answer 20

• Control group may work harder to compensate for missing stimuli

Question 21

 Demoralization

Answer 21

• Feeling of deprivation of control group make them give up

* Ex: students stop studying or act up

Question 22

• Pygmalion effect

Answer 22

o : difference in study outcomes attributable to the researcher’s expectations of participants
o Tendency to see in others what we have been led to expect