AnimalResearchEthics-RadfordUniversity.pptVIP

Experimental Design Experiment: A type of research study that tests the idea that one variable causes an effect on another variable. Anatomy of an Experiment Example Memory Cues No Memory Cues N1 10 N2 10 M1 16.2 M2 9.9 S1 2.49 S2 2.33 Independent variable Memory Training Group Dependent variable Memory for personal history Anatomy of an Experiment Example Experimental Control Group Group Memory Cues No Memory Cues N1 10 N2 10 M1 16.2 M2 9.9 S1 2.49 S2 2.33 The study allows the researcher to determine that on variable causes an effect on another variable. Internal Validity Conditions to establish internal validity Time-Order relationship Cause ? Effect I.V. ? D.V. Conditions to establish internal validity No alternative explanations The difference between the means is due only to the independent variable. Anything else represents a threat to the internal validity of the study Threats to internal validity Non-equivalent control group Confound: A way in which the groups differ from each other, other than the independent variable. Controlling for confounds 1. Random assignment to groups 2. Matching Threats to internal validity Floor or Ceiling effects The independent variable has made the groups different from each other, but the dependent variable is unable to detect it. Floor effect: The test is so difficult that everyone gets a very low score. Ceiling effect: The test is so easy that everyone gets a high score. They make the means closer together than they should be. Threats to internal validity Experimenter effect The experimenter gives an indication of what they want or expect the subject to do in a particular condition. Participant effect The participant changes their behavior to fit what they think the researcher is studying. Ways to address experimenter and participant effects Single-blind study: The participant doesn’t know which condition they’re in. Example: a placebo-controlled condition. Double-blind design: