A Guide to the Method Section: Design

Keys to this SectionThe independent and dependent variables are

identified and operationalized.

The experimental design is appropriate to the aim and its use is appropriately justified.

There is clear identification and documentation of how ethical guidelines were followed.

Example Research Question/Study

Does listening to music impact memory?

Independent and Dependent Variable

Independent Variable: The characteristics that is being changed/manipulated.

Dependent Variable: The behavior that is impacted by the IV.Example: IV = Music ; DV = Memory

Levels of Variables: The amount of different groups you will be comparing.2 Levels: Music and Control5 Levels: Rock, Classical, Rap, Jazz, Control

What is Operationalization?

Operationalization is the process of defining variables into measurable and quantifiable items. IV: Music = Playing Classical Music while reading a

list of words.DV: Memory = The amount of words recalled from

a list words of words.

Your Turn…Identify the IV and DV from your research.

Write them in operationalized form.

Groups within ResearchTreatment Group

Group that has the IV/treatment manipulated. Example: Learning a list

of words while listening to music.

Goal: To examine how the IV impacts behavior.

Control Group

Group that the IV/treatment is not tested on. Example: Learning a list

of words w/o music. Goal: to provide a

comparison/baseline.

Your Turn…Identify the treatment and control group within

your experiment.

Types of DesignIndependent Sample

Design

Two separate groups are tested. The control group and the treatment group. Example: One groups

learns the list without listening to music, the other learns without music.

Repeated Measure Design

Each participant is tested under both the control and test group. Example: The participant

learns a list in silence and is tested then learns a list with music and is tested.

Reasons for Independent Sample Design

+Avoids Order Effect – If one trial would impact the performance on the second trial.

+ Participants are less likely to guess the hypothesis of the study.

+ Less likely to bore participants.

+ Same material may be used with both groups.

- Participant Variability – Differences between participant’s ability in groups may impact results.

Reason for Repeated Measure Design

+Limits Participation Variability.

+Requires fewer participants.

-May lead to Order Effect.

- Demand Characteristics: When participants guess the aim of the study and do not act naturally because they want to be helpful – or the opposite.

ControlsBlinds: Single or Double

Standardized briefing/instructions

Randomization

Placebo

Your Turn…Identify which type of design you will use and

explain why. (Strengths and limitations)

Writing a Consent FormAs part of my IB Psychology Internal Assessment, I am

carrying out a test on…

This study will test… Informed about the nature of the experiment Right to withdraw at any time Confidentiality Anonymity will be protected No harm (physical/mental) Debrief & access to results

I give my consent to participate in this experiment

Name and Date

Briefing NotesThis will be what you say before and during your

experiment.

Explain to your participants who you are, why you are there, what they will be asked to do, and explain their ethical rights.

Can you explain the aim of your study? Summarize…

Instructions for the study

Debriefing NotesExplain to your participants what the aim of the

research was, what you expect to find, how they can learn about your findings, their right to withdraw their data, and how much you appreciate them and their teacher giving you time in their classroom.You will read this after you have collected all data.

A Guide to the Method Section:

Participants

Keys to this sectionsRelevant characteristics of the participants are

identified.

The sample is selected using an appropriate method and the use of this method is explained.

Participant CharacteristicsNumber of Participants

Average Age

Number from each Gender

You will collect this information when you are performing your experiment.

Sampling TechniquesRandom: randomly selecting individuals from a

population…Good chance that it will be representative.

Opportunity: Participants are used because they are available…May not be representative of whole population

Systematic: Selecting certain individuals with certain traits.

A Guide to the Method Section:

Procedure

Keys to this SectionThe procedural information is relevant, clearly

described and is easily replicable.

Necessary materials have been included and referenced in the appendices.

Ethical guidelines are followed.

MaterialsWhat will you need? Be specific.

What will your participants need? Be specific.

A bullet-point list is fine…

Gathering/Creating Materials

Create a plan for gathering your resources by Monday after break.

Create the questionnaire or lists that will be needed for your experiment. (Keep a copy to put in your appendices)

ProceduresDetailed step-by-step of how will perform your

experiment.

Include reference to your use of scripts and inclusion of notification of ethical considerations.