Question

For each of the following research examples, based on findings from published studies, state (1) the independent variable, (2) the levels of the independent variable, and (3) whether the manipulation is staged or natural. 1.A researcher tests the finding from a previous study showing that people experience high stress when losing battery power in their cell phones (Vincent, 2006). To extend this finding, the researcher has participants come to a lab at which time they were given one of three manipulations. In one group, participants were told, “Please fill in the surveys in front of you. To reduce distraction, please turn over your cell phones. We will return your cell phones at the end of the study.” In a second comparison group, participants were also told to complete the surveys but were not told to turn in their cell phones. In a third group, participants were told nothing. Measures of stress were compared among groups. 2. Exercise can enhance mood (Rocheleau, Webster, Bryan, & Frazier, 2004). To test if an enjoyable distraction can further enhance mood during exercise, participants were shown a video of an exciting show, boring show, or no show at all during an exercise routine. Differences in mood following the standardized 10-minute exercise were compared between groups. 3. A researcher tests evidence that people hold negative stereotypes of people with tattoos (Martin & Dula 2010). To test this evidence, a researcher has participants observe a picture of the same person either with or without tattoos and has them rate the extent to which they have positive or negative views of the individual. 4. A researcher tests the “red effect” in which people wearing red are rated as more attractive (Elliot & Niesta, 2008). To test the effect, she randomly assigns participants to view the same person wearing either a red or a white shirt and has them rate the attractiveness of the person depicted.

Answer 1

Solution

Part (1)

Independent variable: loss of battery power in the cell phones

Levels of independent variable: 3 levels – no cell phone, yes cell phone, either

The manipulation is staged

Answer 1

Part (2)

Independent variable: distraction variable

Levels of independent variable: 3 levels – video of an exciting show, boring show, no show at all

The manipulation is staged

Answer 2

Part (3)

Independent variable: tattoos

Levels of independent variable: 2 - with or without tattoos

The manipulation is natural

Answer 3

Part (4)

Independent variable: color of the shirt

Levels of independent variable: 2 – red or white

The manipulation is natural

Answer 4

DONE