CC2413 Fundamental Psychology for Health Studies

Supplementary Exercise #2: Research Methods

Attempt the following questions for each case provided:

1) What is the independent variable (IV)? How do you
operationally define (OD) it?
OD: Specify the exact type, the amount, the frequency and
period of time of the IV.

2) What is the dependent variable (DV)? How do you

operationally define it?
OD: Specify how to objectively measure the dependent
variable,

3) What is the hypothesis in the case?

1. Stated the hypothesis in a way that is testable, which
means that it can be supported or refuted by observing
and comparing the differences between the
experimental group and the control group.
2. For example: The group that exercises in the morning
(OD: jogging for 20 km in 30 minutes per day for a
month before 11:00am each day) will loss more
percentage of the body weight than the group that
exercises in the evening (OD: jogging for 20 km in 30
minutes per day for a month after 6:00pm each day)
3. To be even more precise, can specify how much
differences in DV are expected between the
experimental group and control group? What is the
meaning of more active (i.e. run 10 more minutes in an
hour) after eaten sweets? What is the meaning of
enhanced memory (i.e. score 10 more points on the
test) after listening to music while studying? How much
more weight loss in percentage should be defined as a
better effect (i.e. loss 5 more percent) on weight loss?

4) How would you set up the experimental and control group for

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413

 the experiment?
1. Start from a careful selection of the relevant
population, and draw a representative sample with the
use of random sampling
2. Use of random assignment to assign the experimental
group and the control group to ensure that the two
groups are basically similar/balance/match on key
characteristics
3. Use of the double-blind procedure, deception, placebo
treatment to minimize the potential harm of human
expectations (if applicable)
4. Set up identical conditions and treatments (i.e., same
instructions, same environment, same test, etc.) for
both groups, make sure that the only difference
between two groups is the IV
5. State clearly the standards and procedures for
measuring the DV
6. State the expected results if you compare the data from
both groups. Draw the conclusion accordingly.

5) Is there any possible confounding variable in the experiment? If

so, how would you like to counteract it?
Examples of possible confounding variables for the
following cases could be memory abilities of the
participants, placebo effect, physical fitness, personality of
the children, etc. However, with careful planning and control
measures, such as the use of random assignment and
placebo treatment, the confounding or extraneous variables
should be avoided or minimized in most cases.

IV DV Hypothesis
Case One:
A psychology teacher believes that the provision of photos and
cartoons in notes will enhance students’ memory (retention).
Design an experiment to support her belief.

Case Two:
A new drug has been developed and reported to prevent

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413

seasickness. Design an experiment to test the drug’s effectiveness.

Case Three:
A personal trainer at a fitness center suggests to his clients that
exercise in the morning will have a better effect on weight loss
than exercise at night. Design an experiment to test whether this is
a valid advice.

Case Four:
A student insists that alcohol consumption will not interfere with
snowboarding skills. Design an experiment to test the belief.

Case Five:
Many parents assert that children who have eaten sweets will
become more active afterwards than those who have not.
Design a study to test whether this assertion is true or not.

updated on Feb 19, 2009 by May Poon for CC2413