Practise identifying, operationalising and controlling variables in psychological research with CAIE Psychology AS questions and mark schemes.
A parrot rescue centre has some new parrots which need to learn to enter a cage. Their trainer is planning a procedure using operant conditioning to teach the parrots to enter the cage.
There are many members of staff at the rescue centre. The trainer cannot decide whether the parrots will learn better if the other staff are present or absent while the parrots are being trained.
Explain one reason why the parrots may learn better if the other staff are present during the parrots' training.
Better if present, if familiar with people;
(exp) They may be less afraid (by people);
(detail)
Better if present, people may make them feel secure;
(exp) So they pay attention more / are motivated more;
(detail) Better if present, as people motivate them;
(exp) eg audience effect/social facilitation/showing off;
(detail) social desirability / demand characteristics = 0
2
Explanation for staff presence =1
Detail =1
Explain one reason why the parrots may learn better if the other staff are absent during the parrots' training.
Better if absent, parrots need to focus to learn;
(exp)
Staff might distract them;
(detail)
2
Explanation for staff absence =1
Detail = 1