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Suppose you are designing an experiment to test if a new reading software increases reading speed. In 1 to 3 sentences, apply the principles of a laboratory experiment to describe how you would set up your study, specify what you would manipulate, and explain how you would control the environment to achieve high internal validity.
Question: Suppose you are designing an experiment to test if a new reading software increases reading speed. In 1 to 3 sentences, apply the principles of a laboratory experiment to describe how you would set up your study, specify what you would manipulate, and explain how you would control the environment to achieve high internal validity.
Sample answer: I would conduct the study in a quiet computer lab (highly controlled environment) where I manipulate whether participants use the new reading software or standard text (variable manipulation). To ensure high internal validity, I would keep room conditions and computer screens identical to minimize outside influences, allowing me to draw a strong causal conclusion about the software's effect.
Key points:
- Applies the concept of a highly controlled environment to the study setup (e.g., quiet computer lab).
- Applies variable manipulation to the independent variable (reading software vs. standard text).
- Applies the control of extraneous variables to minimize outside influences.
- Connects these laboratory controls to the achievement of high internal validity or drawing causal conclusions.
Feedback: Correct answers must apply laboratory experiment principles by stating: 1. The study is conducted in a highly controlled environment (e.g., computer lab). 2. A variable is manipulated (using the new reading software vs. standard text). 3. Outside influences are minimized (identical room conditions/screens) to ensure high internal validity and allow a causal conclusion.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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