paper 2

Question 1

What is the aim of the lab experiment?

Answer 1

To investigate whether background music affects students’ logical reasoning and arithmetic performance

This study focuses on the impact of auditory conditions on cognitive tasks.

Question 2

What is the target population for the lab experiment?

Answer 2

IBDP students aged 16–18 in Hong Kong

Participants are drawn from the same school community.

Question 3

What type of sampling was used in the lab experiment?

Answer 3

Convenience/opportunity sampling

This method selects participants based on their availability.

Question 4

What is the final sample size in the lab experiment?

Answer 4

24 Year 12 DP psychology students

Participants were randomly allocated to conditions (12 music, 12 no-music).

Question 5

What is the independent variable (IV) in the lab experiment?

Answer 5

Presence of background music (music vs no music)

This variable is manipulated to observe its effect on performance.

Question 6

What is the dependent variable (DV) in the lab experiment?

Answer 6

Score on a logic and arithmetic test

This measures the outcome of the experiment.

Question 7

What type of data was collected in the lab experiment?

Answer 7

Quantitative data: each participant’s test score

This data is used to analyze performance differences.

Question 8

What ethical considerations were taken in the lab experiment?

Answer 8

• Informed consent
• Right to withdraw
• Confidentiality
• Anonymity of data

These measures ensure participant rights and data protection.

Question 9

True or false: The lab experiment has high internal validity due to controlled variables.

Answer 9

TRUE

The design allows for confident attribution of differences in DV scores to the IV.

Question 10

What is a limitation of the external validity in the lab experiment?

Answer 10

Sample is small and from one school, task is artificial

This may limit generalizability to other populations or real-world situations.

Question 11

What does reductionism refer to in the context of the lab experiment?

Answer 11

Explaining logical reasoning mainly in terms of one factor (background music)

This simplifies complex influences like prior ability or motivation.

Question 12

What is the aim of the survey on school belonging?

Answer 12

Measure perceived school belonging/attitudes

This study focuses on students’ subjective experiences.

Question 13

What type of design is used in the survey on school belonging?

Answer 13

Correlational, self-report

This design assesses relationships between variables without manipulation.

Question 14

What is a key similarity between the lab experiment and the survey?

Answer 14

• Both use quantitative data
• Both require ethical safeguards
• Both can be standardized and replicated

These aspects enhance the reliability of findings.

Question 15

What is a key difference between the lab experiment and the survey?

Answer 15

The lab experiment manipulates an IV and can support causal claims; the survey cannot

This distinction highlights the experimental versus correlational nature of the studies.

Question 16

What is the procedure for the lab experiment?

Answer 16

• Independent-measures design
• Participants read informed consent
• Complete logic/arithmetic test individually
• Music group listens to a track, control group works in silence

This structure ensures consistency across conditions.

Question 17

What is the procedure for the semi-structured interview study?

Answer 17

• Obtain informed consent
• Schedule interviews
• Use flexible interview guide with open-ended questions

This method allows for in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences.

Question 18

What is the data type collected in the semi-structured interview study?

Answer 18

Qualitative data (verbal responses)

This data is analyzed by thematic analysis to identify patterns.

Question 19

What is a potential ethical issue in the Kiesler and Baral study?

Answer 19

Deception involved in fake IQ test and feedback

This requires careful justification and thorough debriefing to minimize harm.

Question 20

What is the internal validity of the Kiesler and Baral study?

Answer 20

High internal validity due to random allocation and control over the setting

This supports causal conclusions about self-esteem and attraction.

Question 21

What is a responsibility researchers have regarding the operationalization of self-esteem?

Answer 21

• Socially sensitive: Participants may feel embarrassment after being told they scored low IQ. self-esteem damaged long-term, psychological & emotional harm.
• Deception: fake IQ score, ficticious score. Participants also don’t know true aim of experiment.
• Needs ethical guidelines due to potential distress participants may experience. Personal information must be confidential. Requires debrief, informed consent, right to withdraw.
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Researchers should consider more holistic measures in follow-up studies.