Question

For each of the following research questions, you will read an independent and dependent samples study to test that research question. Identify which study used independent and which used dependent samples.

4. How do psychosocial attitudes (those based on the interaction between the individual and the social environment) toward romantic love vary by race/culture?

Study 1: Researchers hypothesized that cultures focused on group identity (collectivist) would place less emphasis on romantic love compared with cultures focused on individual identity (individualistic). To test this, they collected a sample of Chinese (collectivist) and American (individualistic) adolescents and had them complete a romantic love assessment survey. They tested whether scores on this survey significantly differed between groups.

Study 2: Researchers hypothesized that psychosocial attitudes toward love in individualistic cultures would be more negative following the loss of a romantic relationship. To test this, they recorded perceptions of love among a group of American college students during and following a romantic relationship. They tested whether the difference in perceptions of love during and after a romantic relationship was significantly different.

Answer 1

In study1 an independent sample is used. This is because they are testing the scores and determining whether a difference exists among two different groups of people (American and Chinese). The sample of people was collected randomly and the opinions of people can be considered to be independent.

In study 2 dependent sample is used. This is because for the same group of sample we are testing whether there is a difference in their opinions during and after a romantic relationship.