Sensation and Perception Project

2 Population Representative Sample ( larger the better) Experimental Group Control Group Apply Methods of control Apply methods of control Independent Variable Placebo Measure Dependent Variable Is the difference statistically significant? Random Assignment Everyone has equal chance. Random Sampling (aka Random Selection) This is the goal! EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN =

QUASI EXPERIMENT: Not a true experiment No random assignment The independent variable already exists in the population (age, gender, etc) IV could be continuous (e.g. age) or categorical (e.g. gender) We can never be sure the quasi iv is causing the change in the dv or if another third factor can explain the difference 3

PERCEPTION EXPERIMENT Step One: Brainstorm ideas for an experiment. Remember: develop an idea based on a perceptual concept. Develop a hypothesis, with an independent variable and dependent variable. A good format for your hypothesis: If ________, then _____. Operationally define variables. 4

INTRODUCTION – Why Am I Doing This Study? You will need to research your topic for the Introduction (review of past research, justify the logic of the study, and presenting your hypothesis) Check your textbook for background information. You need to cite two additional sources in your Introduction. Introduction: two pages double spaced; all sources must be cited using APA style Hypothesis with iv, dv, and operational definitions 5

METHOD – What Did I Do? All ethical guidelines must be followed! Based on your description of the apparatus and procedures could someone replicate your experiment? Have separate sections labeled: Subjects (include description of population and method of selection), Procedures (you may number this), Materials and Apparatus 6

CONSENT FORM..\AP Notes\Perception\Consent Form for Experiment.doc..\AP Notes\Perception\Consent Form for Experiment.doc Fill the consent form out as a group to insure uniformity. Make enough copies to give each subject a copy and to keep a copy for yourself. Be prepared to hand these in if I request you to do so. 7

RESULTS – What Did I Find? Graphs, charts, tables that present an analysis of your findings. You do NOT interpret the results in this section. You do not present the raw data here, but you should include it in an Appendix if required. 8

DISCUSSION - What is the Significance of My Findings? You relate your findings to your hypothesis and the theories you investigated. Did you support your hypothesis? A null hypothesis is one where no effect is expected. You may need to explain why you did not get the results you expected. Were there confounding variables, experimenter bias, etc.? Identify new or additional questions raised by your study. 9

REFERENCES – How Do I Give Credit Where Credit Is Due? Requirement: two sources in addition to textbook You need to use the APA style for your citations and reference page Place appropriate citations in the paper as well as including a reference page. It is better to overcite than to undercite. 10

APA STYLE CITATION EXAMPLES: – the effects of unchecked infections accumulate (Neese, 1991) – Carrie Armel and Vilayanur Ramachandran (2003) cleverly illustrated…. 11

APA STYLE Reference Page Examples: Journal: Murzynski, J. (1996). Body language of women. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 26, 1617 – Book: Paloutzian, R. F. (1996). Invitation to the psychology of religion. (2 nd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Online: Nielsen, M.E. Notable people in psychology. Retrieved August 3, 2005, from psywww.com Encyclopedia Shea, J.D. (2004) Depression and Adjustment. In J.F. Schumaker (Ed), Encyclopedia of Mental Health (pp ). New York: Oxford /University Press. 12

APPENDIX If necessary, this might include: – Copies of surveys, pictures, etc used as materials – Raw data 13

ABSTRACT Complete last, but place first. Single spaced Short summary; include one or two sentences from each section: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion 14