To Study the Effects of Physical Discomfort on Attention, Dr

question 15

Essay

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 factorial notation, describe Dr. Lopez's study. Given this information, how many main effects and interactions will Dr. Lopez need to examine?

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Definitions:

Questionnaire

A form that features a set of questions designed to gather information from respondents and thereby accomplish the researchers’ objectives; questions can be either unstructured or structured.

Closed-Ended Questions

Questions designed to elicit a specific, limited response, typically answered by "yes," "no," or chosen from a set of provided options.

Research Problem

A clearly defined issue or question that a researcher seeks to answer or solve through systematic investigation and analysis.

Blind Taste Test

A method of product testing where the participants are unaware of the brands being tested to avoid bias in their feedback.