Original Investigation: Positive Outlook and the effect it has on short term memory.
Variables
Controlled variables: Gender, Year level 10/11, Location, Time
Sample
39 Year 11/10 Stage 1 Psychology Students
Limitations
Strengths
Very small select group of students
Difficult to determine weather sample correctly represents the population
Students were aware of what was directly being tested, may of resulted in bias that would not occur in a generalized environment
Data collected from sample correctly matches hypothesis
Smaller size made conducting the experiment easier
Experimental IV (Information given is changed per group)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Each group has a different set of information, allowing for a comparison between the two.
Results can be manipulated through human error
IV: Different Audio played to 3 random groups, with each getting more information. Group 3 had a positive outlook.
DV: How many words were recalled, (Objective, quantitative data)
Situational/Extraneous Variables: Time of day, knowing what is being tested, Food/water intake
Time of Day: Earlier in the morning may result in increased STM compared to later in the afternoon
Food/Water Intake: If a participant was hungry or thirsty they may be less attentive than someone who had just eaten
Confirmed Bias: The participant was aware of what was being tested, which may have helped them recall more words than they normally would of been able to.
Location: The type of room décor may of effected the attention spam of a particpant.
Time: This certain class time was chosen and expressed to the participant prior to conducting.
Year 10/11: A selected age group that is being tested
Experimental can create situations that aren't entirely realistic
Allows researchers to have a high level of control
Harder to control extraneous variables
The sample size may not reflect the whole embodiment of Adelaide teenagers, as education level and other factors would play a role
Audio was played through class speakers and may not have been heard properly
People may have not been able to hear words clearly
Quantitative data makes it easy to graph and compare results
No depth or detail in results, only numbers
No room for human engagement with detailed responses
If someone wasn't paying attention for a second, they may of missed out on what was said, affecting the results
A control group helps us understand what a more normal environment would look like