RESEARCH STUDY 10

question 42

Essay

RESEARCH STUDY 10.3: Dr.Phillips is a cognitive-developmental psychologist who studies how children learn mathematical principles.His current interest is in studying how children learn multiplication.He recruits 54 second-graders who have not yet learned how to multiply numbers to participate in his study.He is curious as to whether different teaching styles lead to better mastery of the subject.One condition (A) involves having students read a chapter on multiplication from their textbook.One condition (B) involves having students watch a video of cartoon characters explaining multiplication.One condition (C) involves having students being taught multiplication by a teacher.One condition (D) involves having students being taught multiplication by a fourth-grader.In all conditions, participants spend 30 minutes learning the fundamentals of multiplication and are then given the same 15-question multiplication test.The number of questions answered correctly is recorded.The data are below. Using Dr.Phillips' study as an example, explain the difference between a control group and a comparison group.Why did Dr.Phillips' study not have a control group?

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Definitions:

Recall

Type of memory retrieval in which the information to be retrieved must be “pulled” from memory with very few external cues.

Sensory Memory

The briefest element of memory enabling people to maintain sensory impressions once the initial stimuli cease.

Short-Term Memory

The capacity for holding a small amount of information in an active, readily available state for a short period of time.

Selective Attention

The ability to focus on only one stimulus from among all sensory input.