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.

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 with 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.

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

explain why. (Strengths and limitations)

ControlsBlinds: Single or DoubleStandardized briefing/instructionsStandardized MaterialsEnvironmental conditionsRandomizationPlacebo

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

carrying out a test on…During this experiment, you have the following rights:

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 experimentName and Date

Briefing Notes/Script This 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 what their ethical rights are.

Include your instructions as you carry out your experiment. Include actions (passing out and collecting consent forms, turning on

the video). Include individual briefing/instructions if you will address individuals. Imagine that another person was going to read these instructions.

They should be able to copy your actions exactly.

Debriefing NotesExplain to your participants…

what the aim of the research waswhat you expect to find how they can learn about your findingstheir right to withdraw their datahow 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 ParticipantsAverage AgeGradeNumber from each GenderOther Relevant characteristics to your study (Drivers

License?)

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…Include copies or links to all materials in your

appendices.

Gathering/Creating Materials

Create a plan for gathering your resources by next class.

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.