RM- hormones and phereomones and behavior

Question 1

Scheel et al RM study strengths and limitations

Answer 1

Lab experiment
Experiments are often used when investigating hormones, pheromones, and how they affect behavior, as they can help to find and establish a cause and effect relationship between variables
Using a lab experiment, we can know whetehr or not hormones and pheromones can actual cause a change in people’s behaviors
This can be very useful when trying to help people with metnal illnesses or disorders. If we know that hormones nad phermones are able to cause different behaviors, we may be able to use this info when trying ot help treat people
This type of research method is valuable when investigating hormones and pheromones and influence on behavior, as there wouldn’t normally be a situation in the real world where these would change somehow. The only way to control hormones and phermones is in a controlled/ artificial environment

Experiments start with a hypothesis. To test the hypothesis, researchers manipulate an independent variable to measure the effect on a dependent variable, while attempting to keep all other variables constant.. Participants are randomly allocated to either a treatment group (where the IV is manipulated) or a control group (where the IV is not manipulated).

STRENGTH
Can show a cause and effect relationship between two variables
THis is bc lab experiments are well controlled w many control variables, prevents confounding variabes.
Know for sure IV affecting the DV
In Scheel’s study, the only thing that changed was how far participants were from the female researcher/ how fast they pulled the joystick. Very controlled. Allows them to clearly show whether or not oxytocin affected their behavior

LIMITATION
Lacks eco validity, bc environment is so controlled
Situation may not be applicable to real life
Can be seen in the study; these arent tasks that people would normally do. Very artificial situation