RESEARCH STUDY 12

question 58

Essay

RESEARCH STUDY 12.3: To study the effects of physical discomfort on attention, Dr.Lopez conducted the following study: A group of participants were required to keep one hand submerged in cold water (52 degrees).Half of the participants kept their hand in the water for 2 minutes, and half of the participants kept their hand in the water for 4 minutes.In addition, half of the participants were given a placebo pill and told it would reduce the pain of the water (pain relief assumed).The other half were given a placebo pill and told that it would have no effect (no pain relief assumed).While their hands were in the water, participants were asked to watch a video where a ball is quickly passed between and underneath three cups.At the end of the video, participants were asked to indicate under which cup the ball could be found.Whether or not the participant picked the correct cup was recorded (as a measure of whether they were paying attention).The results are below. Using the data table alone, discuss whether Dr.Lopez should conclude that an interaction exists in his study.

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Definitions:

Cooperative Behaviour

Actions by individuals that contribute to a common goal and often involve working together towards achieving that goal.

Evolutionary Biologists

Scientists who study the process of evolution and the genetic and environmental factors that drive changes in organisms over generations.

Cathartic Behaviour

Cathartic behavior involves activities or actions that release emotional tension and lead to a sense of purification or relief.

Evolutionary Social Psychology

An extension of evolutionary psychology that views complex social behaviour as adaptive, helping the individual, kin and the species as a whole to survive.