2. Keys to this Section
The 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.
4. 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 Control
5 Levels: Rock, Classical, Rap, Jazz, Control
5. 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.
6. Your Turn…
Identify the IV and DV from your research.
Write them in operationalized form.
7. Groups within Research
Treatment 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.
9. Types of Design
Independent 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
13. Your Turn…
Identify which type of design you will use and explain
why. (Strengths and limitations)
14. Writing a Consent Form
As 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
15. Briefing Notes
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, and explain their
ethical rights.
Can you explain the aim of your study? Summarize…
Instructions for the study
16. Debriefing Notes
Explain 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.
18. Keys to this sections
Relevant characteristics of the participants are
identified.
The sample is selected using an appropriate method
and the use of this method is explained.
19. Participant Characteristics
Number of Participants
Average Age
Number from each Gender
You will collect this information when you are performing
your experiment.
20. Sampling Techniques
Random: 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.
22. Keys to this Section
The procedural information is relevant, clearly
described and is easily replicable.
Necessary materials have been included and
referenced in the appendices.
Ethical guidelines are followed.
23. Materials
What will you need? Be specific.
What will your participants need? Be specific.
A bullet-point list is fine…
24. 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)
25. Procedures
Detailed step-by-step of how will perform your
experiment.
Include reference to your use of scripts and inclusion of
notification of ethical considerations.
