Professor Simpkins Designs a Self-Report Measure to Assess His Students

question 19

Multiple Choice

Professor Simpkins designs a self-report measure to assess his students' perceptions of a lesson plan. In one section he lectures on the course material. In another section of the same course he supplements his lecture with a class activity. Then, his students rate the educational value of the class. Unfortunately, he doesn't learn anything about the distinction between lecturing and active learning, because both classes rated the education value as a three (very educational) on a scale from one to three. What is wrong with Professor Simpkins' research?

• A) scorer bias
• B) floor effect
• C) ceiling effect
• D) random error

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Definitions:

Axon

A long, slender projection of a neuron that typically conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Firing

In the context of neural activity, it refers to the action of a neuron when it sends an electrical signal down its axon to communicate with other neurons.

Action Potential

A rapid, temporary change in a cell's electrical charge that facilitates the transmission of signals in neurons.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in many functions including mood regulation, digestion, and sleep.