Psychology 307, Spring 99                             Name _______________________
Stephen R. Schmidt

Test 2

Identification:  In one or two sentences define each of the following. (5 pts each)

1)  counterbalancing:
 
 
 

2)  posttest only design:
 
 
 

3)  random selection:
 
 
 

4)  interaction effects:
 
 
 

5)  subject variable:
 
 
 

6)  order effects:
 
 
 

7) repeated measures design:
 
 
 

8)  ecological validity:
 
 
 

9)  Hawthorne effect:
 
 
 

10)  double-blind:
 

Short answer:  (10 points each.)

1.  Suppose I wished to conduct a research project comparing the effects of two reading programs on learning to read in the first grade.  Decide whether it is better to use a within- or a between-subjects design and describe why you think this is the appropriate choice of experimental design.
 

2.  In the experiment described above, discuss two methods of experimental control I should use to guard against threats to internal validity in this experiment.  Specifically address at least one factor that needs to be controlled because of the choice of experimental design (within- versus between-subjects).
 

 3.  I am conducting a 2 X 3 mixed factorial experiment.  Factor A has two levels and is manipulated between subjects, the other factor(s) are manipulated within subjects.

a) How many independent variables are there in this design: ___.

b) How many groups of subject do I need to complete the experiment: ____.

c) How many conditions are there in this design: _____.

d) Show me what the design looks like in a table.
 

4. Compare and contrast cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to developmental research.  Be sure to describe the various strengths and weakness of each approach.
 

5.  What are "demand characteristics" in research.  Describe the different ways research participants may respond to demand characteristics.