Identifying Variables and Groups
A biopsychologist study the effects of anabolic steroids on aggressive behavior of female rats. 24 are given injections a placebo and the others are given a steroid. Round-the-clock video tapes of the communal cages of all rats allow all aggressive encounters to be counted and timed. Independent Variable: Dependent Variable: Experimental Group: Controlled Group:
i.v.: steroids d.v.: agressive behaviors that are counted and timed e.g.: 24 that are injected with steroids c.g.: 24 that are injected with placebo
A industrial psychologist is lowering the temperature in a packing room to see if it will increase productivity. Worker in two equivalent packing rooms participate in the study. One room is maintained at 65 degrees and the other is at the usual company temp (76). Independent Variable: Dependent Variable: Experimental Group: Controlled Group:
i.v.: temperature change d.v.:productivity e.g.: worker in the 65 degree room c.g.: worker in the 76 degree room
Of 100 individual with moderate depression, 50 are given 8 weeks of new cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the other 50 are put on the waiting list. At the end of the 8 weeks, they are tested for their level of depression. Independent Variable: Dependent Variable: Experimental Group: Controlled Group:
i.v.: type of treatment d.v.: data from the psychology test e.g.: 50 patients that were treated for their depression c.g.: 50 that were on the waiting list
Control Group:
participants treated exactly the same as the experimental group, but NOT exposed to the changed variable.
Positive Correlation:
relationship where both data increases or decreases
Negative Correlation:
relationship where one set of data is reverse with the other. One decreases while the other one increases.
Experimental Group:
the participants exposed to the independent variable
Dependent Variable:
what is measured or observed- the data
Independent Variable:
what the investigator manipulates- the treatment or condition
Gave 6th graders a test on self-esteem and then the psychologist has 6th grade teachers monitor the number of times each 6th grader voluntarily participates in the class and determine the lower the self-esteem score of the child, the less they participate. Type of study: Type of correlation or independent variable:
Type of study: Correlation Type of correlation: Positive Correlation
A cognitive psychologist tests students' ability to recall textbook material studied for thirty minutes under either noisy or quiet conditions Type of study: Type of correlation or independent variable:
Type of study: Experimental Type of independent variable: The noise conditions
Correlation Research:
looks for some reaction between 2 or more sets of data
