Now imagine that you are conducting research on the length of time it takes customers to select items in a grocery store. Assume that your hypothesis is that people will spend more time deciding on more expensive items than on cheaper items
And your question is??
If you are supposed to design an experiment, the following might help:
An independent variable is the potential stimulus or cause, usually directly manipulated by the experimenter, so it could also be called a manipulative variable.
A dependent variable is the response or measure of results.
Extraneous variables — other than the independent variable — potentially can affect the dependent variable, so they must be controlled. If possible, you try to keep them constant between the experimental and control group.
The experimental group receives the independent variable.
The control group is similar to experimental, except it does not receive the independent variable. Extraneous variables are balanced between experimental and control groups.
Types of experiments
1. Single blind gives the control group a placebo — a substance that is inert, it has no physical effect. Subjects don't know if they are in experimental or control group to reduce placebo effect, a change in behavior solely due to believing that you are getting the independent variable.
2. Double blind keeps both subjects and experimenter ignorant of group setup. Distribution of the independent variable and placebo are controlled by third party. This controls for experimenter bias and self-fulfilling prophecy, which means that experimenters with particular expectations are likely to consciously or unconsciously to bias the experiment and influence it to conform to their expectations.
As an example, suppose you want to find out if fluorides reduce dental cavities. You would find two groups, trying to control the extraneous variables. Extraneous variables are found by surveying previous research in the area. In this case, you would match the groups in terms of previous history of cavities, diet and dental hygiene habits including how and how often they brush their teeth.
The experimental group would get toothpaste with the independent variable, the fluoride, while the control group would not have the fluoride in their toothpaste. The toothpaste without the fluoride would be the placebo.
The dependent variable would be the number of cavities after participating in the experiment for a time. The dependent variable indicates the results, but it is not the results. At the end of the experiment, both groups could have no change in cavities or one of the groups could have a greater reduction in cavities. (Of course, if the fluoride increased cavities, you wouldn't want to use it.) All of these varied results would be indicated in terms of the dependent variable.
If only the subjects do not know who is getting the fluoride, it is a single blind experiment. If both the subjects and experimenter do not know, it is a double blind.
To conduct research on the length of time it takes customers to select items in a grocery store and test your hypothesis, you would need to follow these general steps:
1. Formulate your hypothesis: In this case, your hypothesis is that people will spend more time deciding on more expensive items than on cheaper items.
2. Define your variables: Identify the dependent variable (length of time customers spend deciding on items) and the independent variable (price of the items).
3. Design your study: Determine how you will collect data to test your hypothesis. Some options could include direct observation, surveys, or analyzing existing data. Consider factors like sample size, location, and demographics.
4. Select your sample: Randomly or purposively select participants or a subset of a larger population. Ensure your sample is representative and diverse enough to draw valid conclusions.
5. Collect data: Implement your chosen method for data collection. For direct observation, you can time individuals as they select items of different price ranges. Alternatively, you can ask customers directly about their decision-making time or analyze existing purchase data.
6. Analyze the data: Use statistical techniques to analyze the collected data. For example, you could calculate average decision-making time for items of varying prices and compare the means to determine any significant differences.
7. Evaluate the results: Determine whether the data supports or rejects your hypothesis. If there are significant differences in the decision-making times between expensive and cheaper items, it suggests support for your hypothesis.
8. Draw conclusions: Summarize the findings and discuss their implications within the context of your hypothesis. Consider any limitations or potential confounding factors that may have influenced the results.
9. Communicate the results: Share your findings through a research report, presentation, or publication. Include details on your methodology, data analysis, and conclusions.
Remember, conducting research involves careful planning, data collection, and analysis to ensure the validity and reliability of your results.