Practise turning research questions into measurable studies by defining hypotheses and variables, controlling procedures, selecting samples and interpreting data.
A study has the hypothesis 'Four-year-old children make more language mistakes than eight-year-old children.'
State whether this hypothesis is a:
- directional hypothesis
- non-directional hypothesis
- null hypothesis.
directional hypothesis (definitive)
1
3(b)
Explain the reason for your choice in part (a).
It says which level of the IV will be better/higher;
(generic) It says which IV level, in this case older children, will be 'better';
(link)
As it states the causal effect of older age causing fewer mistakes;
(link)
2
Generic response = 1
Linked response =2
'Shows direction of results' =0= REP
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.
The success of the procedure can be measured by counting the number of days it takes each parrot to learn to enter the cage.
Suggest two practical problems with this measurement of success.
1
2
Suggest two practical problems with this measurement of success.
1:....
2:....
Learning in 1 minute, 1 hour or 1 day would all look the same;
(linked limitation)
So the data would be invalid (loss of discriminatory power);
(detail)
Parrots may all learn on first day;
(linked limitation) so ceiling effect;
(detail)
some parrots may go in then straight out;
(linked limitation) so not a useful measure for aim;
(detail)
parrots may focus for various lengths of time;
(linked limitation)
so not all parrots have same amount of training time;
(linked detail)
ethical limitations =0 [NAQ]
4
Limitation =1}[×2]
Either limitation or detail must be linked for 2 marks
Detail = 1\}
Individual differences between parrots =0= NAQ
For one of the problems you suggested in part (b)(i):
Suggest one way this problem could be solved.
Problem 1 or 2:
1 min =1 day / Ceiling effect:
Make interval shorter / avoids a ceiling effect / easier to distinguish between learning speed / bigger range of scores is possible;
(way) eg count hours;
(detail)
straight out again:
add time limit to 'enter cage';
(way)
e.g. and 'stay inside for 30 seconds';
(detail)
parrot focus:
only train in short bouts;
(way)
or stop when parrot isn't focussing;
(detail)
2
Way = 1
Detail = 1
The prompt (Problem: 1 or 2) should be used. If not clear, credit if possible
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