Core Studies - Grant (Context Dependant Memory)

Question 1

Evaluate the research methods and techniques used in this study

Answer 1

LABRATORY METHOD

High internal validity due to high controls which ensures that we know that only the independent variable affects the dependant variable eg participant wore headphones the whole time

It allowed for demand characteristics

Question 2

Evaluate the types of data collected

Answer 2

They collected quantitative data which is good because it means results are easily obtained and can also be compared / analysed

Simplifies complex human behaviour

Question 3

Evaluate any ethical considerations

Answer 3

The participants were debriefed and also gave informed consent (they knew it was a class project)

Protection from harm to be considered as participants might feel they didn’t do very well which could cause loss of confidence

Question 4

What is validity
Evaluate the validity of the study

Answer 4

Validity = does the study do what it was supposed to do

High internal validity because they used high controls to ensure everyone had same experience and get rid of any extraneous variables eg participants had as much time as needed so scores not affected by things like not having enough time however this can be argued because the experimenters all provided their own headphones

High external validity (ecological) this study is realistic as students usually do tasks that involve obtaining my information, highlighting etc and then recall (population) undergrad so study appropriate for them appropriate sample

Question 5

What is reliability? (2)
Evaluate the reliability

Answer 5

Reliability - consistency
Internal = consistency of measurement
External = would you get same results

It had high internal reliability because of the standardised procedures used the study can be easily replicated and materials used can be obtained + recall questions etc

High external reliability because the study can be repeated to show same results

Question 6

Evaluate if there is any sampling bias?

Answer 6

No sampling bias in terms of gender
Opportunity sample so biased in terms or experimenters chose who they wanted
Wide range of ages but average is 20.3 so not too wide

Question 7

Evaluate any ethnocentrism in the study

Answer 7

All Americans so the study is very ethnocentric - focuses in American culture and way of teaching and learning which could be different in a different country