Part 1. Correlational vs. Experimental Studies ()

For each of the following, decide whether the study is correlational or experimental. If it is an experiment, identify the independent and dependent variables. (If the study is correlational, leave independent and dependent variables blank.) As an FYI: These studies are hypothetical, not actual findings!

1)After administering a test of self-esteem to all the 6^th graders in a school, the school psychologist had 6^th grade teachers monitor the number of times each 6^th grader voluntarily participated in class (answering questions, offering opinions) and determined that the lower the self-esteem score of the child, the less they participated.

Type of study (correlational or experimental)?

If experimental, identify the independent variable: __________________

If experimental, identify the dependent variable: __________________

2)A cognitive psychologist randomly assigned students to study vocabulary terms under either noisy or quiet conditions and then gave them a test on the vocabulary terms. Students who studied under quiet conditions scored higher on the test than those who studied under noisy conditions.

Type of study (correlational or experimental)?

If experimental, identify the independent variable: __________________

If experimental, identify the dependent variable: __________________

3)Using photographs, a social psychologist had participants rate the attractiveness as well as the perceived competence of 50 individuals. Those individuals rated as the most attractive were also rated as the most competent.

Type of study (correlational or experimental)?

If experimental, identify the independent variable: __________________

If experimental, identify the dependent variable: __________________

4)Of 100 individuals with moderate depression, 50 are randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of a new cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the other 50 are randomly assigned to be placed on a waiting list for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks all 100 are given psychological tests to assess their level of depression.

Type of study (correlational or experimental)?

If experimental, identify the independent variable: __________________

If experimental, identify the dependent variable: __________________

5)A biopsychologist is studying the effects of anabolic steroids on the aggressive behavior of female rats. 24 female rats are randomly chosen to receive daily injections of a placebo, while 24 others receive daily injections of the steroid. Round-the-clock videotapes of the communal cages of all rats allow all aggressive encounters to be counted and timed.

Type of study (correlational or experimental)?

If experimental, identify the independent variable: __________________

If experimental, identify the dependent variable: __________________

Part 2. Design a Study ()

You are a researcher interested in the effects of mood (happy vs. sad) on sharing behavior in elementary-aged children.

A) Briefly describe (1-3 sentences) how you could use a correlational study to address this research question.

B) Briefly describe (1-3 sentences) how you could use an experimental study to address this research question.