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Experimental and research designs

Study Experimental and research designs in the Pearson Edexcel A Level Psychology specification, with the knowledge and exam application needed for accurate mark-scheme responses.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
Psychology XPS01/YPS01
Level
A2

Exam points

  • Apply Experimental and research designs accurately, using relevant evidence and clear links to the question context

9.1.3 - Experimental and research designs question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Sigmund conducted a laboratory experiment to find out whether obedience to an authority figure changes based on the status of the person giving orders. He used an empty classroom in his local university to conduct his experiment.
He selected 60 participants (30 male and 30 female) from volunteers who answered an advert he placed in a local newspaper. Sigmund allocated 15 males and 15 females to each of the experimental conditions.

- In Condition A participants were instructed to delete the contents of a laptop computer by a man wearing a business suit.
- In Condition B participants were instructed to delete the contents of a laptop computer by a man in casual clothing.

Sigmund recorded how many participants deleted the contents of the laptop computer in each condition.

State the experimental/research design used by Sigmund in his experiment.

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