Experimental Psychology
1) Separate the 40 participants listed below into two groups of 20, in which each group has an equal number of men and women (10 M, 10 F each). Name the first group A and the second group B.
2) Match 1: Random Assignment
a. Use a random numbers table to accomplish the first match, utilizing Group A and Group B. Please search for a random numbers table on the internet or use the one in the back of the textbook to successfully complete this section of the assignment.
b. Start anywhere in the table and proceed in any direction that you like.
c. Odd numbers put the subjects in Group A; even numbers in Group B.
d. When one group is filled, the rest go into the other group.
3) Match 2: Range Matching 1
a. Return to the original Group A and Group B lists.
b. Separate the participants into two groups by gender using range matching.
c. Match as many pairs of female participants as possible: find a match and randomly assign one to the Group A, and the other to the Group B.
d. Next, do the same for the male participants.
4) Match 3: Range Matching 2
a. Return to the original Group A and Group B lists.
b. Match participants by two variables: gender AND weight.
c. Decide on your acceptable ranges in advance (i.e., within 5 pounds for females and 10 pounds for males).
d. Find a match and randomly assign one to the Group A, and the other to the Group B.
e. Form a Group C for individuals who do not match.
5) Match 4: Range Matching 3
a. Return to the original Group A and Group B lists.
b. Match the participants on all three variables (gender, weight, and height).
c. Decide on your acceptable ranges in advance (i.e., within 5 pounds for females and 10 pounds for males).
d. Find a match and randomly assign one to Group A, and the other to Group B.
e. Form a Group C for individuals who do not match.
6) Match 5: Rank Order Matching
a. Using the original list of 40 participants, split the participants by gender (all male group and all female group).
b. Then rank groups by weight OR height, using rank-ordered matching (i.e., heaviest to lightest or tallest to shortest).
c. Find a match and randomly assign one to the Group A, and the other to the Group B.
Sample Solution
A mind is a complicated place. Fortunately, the scientific method is fully equipped to deal with complexity. Combining these two things, there is a field of experimental psychology that is widely defined as the scientific study of the mind. The word “experimental” in this context means that the participants are tested, the results are measured, and comparisons are made. Formally from, this means that a group of participants is exposed to a stimulus (or multiple stimuli) and their reaction behavior is recorded. This behavior is compared to neutral stimuli, lack of stimuli, or certain control conditions for the control group (which may do nothing at all).
