Cutler et al ERQ

Question 1

What can this study be used for?

Answer 1

Pheremones effect on behaviour

Question 2

Year

Answer 2

1998

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

To investigate if a synthesised human pheromone can increase sociosexual behaviour of men

Question 4

Experimental design

Answer 4

Field experiment; independent measures design

Question 5

Participants

Answer 5

Heterosexual, 25-42 males

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

Participants were asked to use their regular aftershave lotion everytime after shaving throughout the study. They also had to fill out a diary on a daily bases which requires noting these behaviours: petting and kissing, sleeping next to romantic partner, sex, informal dates, formal dates and masturbation

There was a baseline period of two weeks and then the researchers added either ethanol or synthesized pheremone and ethanol to the lotion. The study then continued for another 6 weeks.

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

• Participants in experimental group showed increase in petting, sleeping w partner, sexual intercourse and informal dates.
• No change in formal dates and masturbation

Question 8

Evaluation

Answer 8

☑️ High ecological validity since experiment is conducted in natural setting: field experiment
🚫 Independent variable may not be the only factor contributing to the change in DV
🚫 Possible demand characteristics due to the change in scent due to ethanol
🚫 Self-reported data may not be reliable and ethical considerations (privacy; anonimity;)
🚫 Synthetic pheramone is unnatural
🚫 Research funded by a pheremone company which may induce bias