can anyone help me with this. I can't think of anything or explain to me.
Post an example of a simple experiment of your own creation by following this format: I would like to investigate the effects of _____________ on this behavior: _____________. Half my participants would _____________ while the others would _____________.
Independent Variable: _____________
Dependent Variable: _____________
Experimental Group: _____________
Control Group: _____________
Remember: Independent Variable = What the investigator manipulates; the particular treatment or condition the investigator is most interested in the effects of Dependent Variable = What is measured or observed; the "data" collected in the experiment Experimental Group = Those participants exposed to the independent variable Control Group = Those participants treated just like the experimental group EXCEPT they are not exposed to the independent variable; the group with which the experimental group can be compared.
The information seems to be explained adequately. However, you need to think of something the concerns YOU that may effect behavior. Effect of any specific drug on some condition? The different responses to oral instructions as compared to written instructions? Different values of extra credit assignments on whether these values effect the use of this option?
Hint: Be sure to indicate how you might control extraneous variables (variables other than the independent one that 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.
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 experiment.
I hope this helps. Do not use this example.
Sure, I'd be happy to help you with this!
Example of a simple experiment:
I would like to investigate the effects of caffeine on reaction time. Half my participants would consume a caffeinated beverage while the others would consume a decaffeinated beverage.
Independent Variable: Presence or absence of caffeine
Dependent Variable: Reaction time
Experimental Group: Participants who consume a caffeinated beverage
Control Group: Participants who consume a decaffeinated beverage
To conduct this experiment, you would first recruit a group of participants. Then, randomly assign them into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Make sure to distribute the participants evenly, so each group has an equal number of individuals.
Next, you would provide the experimental group with a caffeinated beverage such as coffee, and the control group with a decaffeinated beverage such as herbal tea. It is important to ensure that the groups are unaware of the differences in their beverages to minimize bias.
After consuming the beverages, both groups would take part in a reaction time test. The test could involve a basic visual or auditory stimulus, and participants would respond as quickly as possible. The reaction times for each participant would be recorded and measured.
Finally, you would analyze the data by comparing the average reaction times between the experimental and control groups. This would determine whether caffeine had an effect on reaction time.
Remember, in this example, the independent variable is the presence or absence of caffeine, the dependent variable is reaction time, the experimental group consists of participants who consume the caffeinated beverage, and the control group consists of participants who consume the decaffeinated beverage.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the components of a simple experiment and how to structure it.