Classic Experiment Components Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which of these are major components of a classic experiment? (Select all that apply)

Experimental and control groups (correct)

Placebo and Hawthorne Effect

Independent and dependent variables (correct)

Pretesting and post testing (correct)

The independent variable takes the form of an experimental __________ which is either present or absent.

stimulus

What is an example of an independent variable?

Exposure to African American history

To be used, both independent and dependent variables must be _______________ defined.

operationally Signup and view all the answers

What is pretesting?

The measurement of a dependent variable among subjects before they are exposed to a stimulus representing an independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What is post testing?

The re-measurement of a dependent variable among subjects after they've been exposed to a stimulus representing an independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does a pre-test post-test design involve?

Give survey, expose participants to film, give survey again. Signup and view all the answers

What is an experimental group?

In experimentation, a group of subjects to whom an experimental stimulus is administered. Signup and view all the answers

What is a control group?

In experimentation, a group of subjects to whom no experimental stimulus is administered. Signup and view all the answers

Using the _______ group allows the researcher to detect any effects of the experiment itself.

control Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

Social researchers have become more sensitive to and cautious about the possible side effects of experience themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a placebo?

A 'drug' with no relevant effect, such as sugar pills, given to a control group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a double-blind experiment?

An experiment where neither the subjects nor the experimenter know which is the experimental group and which is the control. Signup and view all the answers

To reduce experimenter bias, one must operationally define the _________ variables to be clear and precise.

dependent Signup and view all the answers

What is randomization?

A technique for assigning experimental subjects to experimental and control groups randomly. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of randomization?

Equating each participant with a number; evens are the control group, and odds are the experimental group. Signup and view all the answers

With __________ numbers of subjects, randomization makes sense.

larger Signup and view all the answers

What is matching in the context of experiments?

The procedure where pairs of subjects are matched based on similarities, assigning one to the experimental and the other to the control group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a general rule for control and experimental groups?

They should be comparable in terms of those variables most likely to be related to the dependent variable under study. Signup and view all the answers

What does internal invalidity refer to?

The possibility that the conclusions drawn from the experiment do not accurately reflect what occurred. Signup and view all the answers

The threat of internal invalidity is present whenever anything other than the experimental can affect the variable.

stimulus, dependent Signup and view all the answers

What are the three pre-experimental research designs?

<ol> <li>One shot case study 2. One group pretest-posttest design 3. Static group comparison.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are some sources of internal invalidity?

<ol> <li>History 2. Maturation 3. Testing 4. Instrumentation 5. Statistical regression 6. Selection biases 7. Experimental mortality 8. Demoralization.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does history mean in terms of internal invalidity?

Historical events may occur that confound the experimental results. Signup and view all the answers

What does maturation mean in an experimental context?

People are continuously growing and changing, which affects results of an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What does testing refer to in the context of internal invalidity?

The process of testing and retesting can influence behavior, hence confounding results. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Components of a Classic Experiment

Classic experiments involve independent and dependent variables, pretesting and post-testing, and the use of experimental and control groups.

Independent Variable

The independent variable serves as an experimental stimulus, which can be present or absent.

Example Scenario

In studying prejudice against African Americans, the independent variable is exposure to African American history, while prejudice itself is the dependent variable.

Operational Definitions

Both independent and dependent variables must be operationally defined to ensure clarity in an experiment.

Pretesting

Pretesting measures the dependent variable before subjects are exposed to the independent variable, providing a baseline for comparison.

Post Testing

Post testing involves re-measuring the dependent variable after subjects experience the independent variable, allowing for evaluation of impact.

Pre-test Post-test Design

This design consists of administering a survey, exposing participants to a film, and then giving the survey again to assess changes.

Experimental Group

The experimental group receives the experimental stimulus, allowing researchers to observe effects generated by the treatment.

Control Group

The control group does not receive the experimental stimulus but is similar to the experimental group in all respects, serving as a benchmark.

Importance of Control Group

Utilizing the control group helps researchers identify the specific effects of the experiment itself, helping to establish causation.

Hawthorne Effect

The Hawthorne Effect refers to the phenomenon where subjects modify their behavior due to awareness of being observed, impacting study results.

Placebo

A placebo refers to a neutral "drug" like sugar pills given to the control group, ensuring that effects can be attributed to the independent variable.

Double-Blind Experiment

In a double-blind experiment, neither participants nor experimenters know who is in the experimental or control group, reducing bias.

Reducing Experimenter Bias

To minimize experimenter bias, dependent variables must be operationally defined with precision, avoiding ambiguity.

Randomization

Randomization assigns subjects to groups in a random manner, crucial for reducing selection bias and increasing the validity of results.

Example of Randomization

Assigning a number to each participant, where even numbers form the control group and odd numbers form the experimental group, is an example of randomization.

Suitability of Randomization

Larger numbers of subjects enhance the effectiveness of randomization, making findings more reliable.

Matching

The matching procedure pairs subjects based on shared characteristics, ensuring comparability between the experimental and control groups.

General Rule for Comparison

Both control and experimental groups should be comparable on variables likely related to the dependent variable, ensuring fair analysis.

Internal Invalidity

Internal invalidity refers to doubts about whether experimental conclusions accurately reflect the actual events of the experiment.

Threat to Internal Validity

The risk of internal invalidity exists when variables other than the experimental stimulus influence the dependent variable.

Pre-Experimental Research Designs

Three common pre-experimental designs include:
- One shot case study
- One group pretest-posttest design
- Static group comparison

Sources of Internal Invalidity

Key sources of internal invalidity include:
- History: External events that impact results.
- Maturation: Changes in subjects over time affecting outcomes.
- Testing: Effects of prior tests influencing behavior during evaluations.
- Instrumentation: Variations in measurement tools that may skew results.
- Statistical regression: Extreme scores moving towards the average upon retesting.
- Selection biases: Unintentional favoring of one group over another.
- Experimental mortality: Loss of subjects over the course of the experiment.
- Demoralization: Decline in motivation among subjects, impacting performance.

Historical Events

Historical events may confound experimental outcomes, such as the assassination of a speaker aimed at reducing prejudice.

Effects of Maturation

Growth and change in individuals can impact experiment results, including both short-term and long-term effects on subjects' behavior.

Implications of Testing

Repeated testing can influence participant behavior, potentially confounding the results, as seen with a prejudice questionnaire being administered multiple times.

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Description

Test your knowledge of classic experiment components, including key terms such as independent and dependent variables, and the roles of experimental and control groups. This quiz helps reinforce your understanding of core concepts that are essential in experimental research methodology.