Mozart Jigsaw

Purpose  To provide you with the opportunity to investigate an example of research presented in the media.  To practice being a critical consumer of research findings presented in the media  To develop a basic understanding of why skepticism is important in science.

In-class activity  You will examine the presentation of research on the “Mozart Effect” in press releases, the original publication of this research, and replies written in response to the original publication.  You are responsible for presenting your assigned reading to the group.  You will also discuss your reactions to the set of readings with your group and complete a group assignment.  NOTE: EACH GROUP PARTICIPANT SHOULD PRESENT EVEN IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PERSON PER READING IN THE GROUP

In-class activity  Each member should present their 3-minute summary (verbal, written, or both) to their group.  Focus on presenting 3-4 main points from the reading to your group to serve as the basis for later discussion.  Finish with individual group discussion and completion of the group assignment

Instructions  Record each member name and signature  Present each person’s 3 minute summary in this order:  Press releases  Original article  Reply article  Discuss your reactions to and questions regarding the readings and answer the questions listed on the group assignment slide (next)  For participation, turn:  Names/signatures  Responses to the group assignment slide (next)

Group Assignment  What does the Press Release reading suggest about the Mozart Effect?  What impact might the press releases have on parents of young children?  What was the research question in the original “Mozart Effect” study.  Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the methods used in the original “Mozart Effect” study (participants, task/s, data collection).  Classify the research design used in the original study (correlation, experimental, quasi-experimental) and identify the variables of interest in the original study.  Write a 2 sentence summary of the findings of the original “Mozart Effect” study.  Write a summary of the 3-4 main points of the reply article  Write a 1 paragraph summary of your reactions to the readings

Group Discussion  Consider first: Your initial reactions to individual the readings and the readings taken together. Each group should share 2 reactions with the class.  Next consider: Author/s of each article, author/s affiliation (i.e., where they work) and source of the publication, title of the articles  Next consider the readings as a collective and discuss:  Did the author/s confuse correlation with causation?  Did the study use a control group?  Were the conclusions presented in the article appropriate given the data collected and the research design that was used?  Did the author/s of the article present valid observations and logical conclusions based on study data or interpret the data in an inappropriate or biased manner?  Was sufficient information presented to support the major conclusions or messages presented in the article?  What was the sample size? (N = ?)  Next open general discussion