RESEARCH STUDY 10.1
In previous studies, Dr. Schulenberg has established that finding meaning in one's everyday work activities can lead to greater success in the workplace (e.g., productivity, creativity). He is curious as to whether this can happen in the college classroom. Specifically, he is curious whether finding meaning in one's classroom experience can lead to greater academic performance. In the spring semester, he has his teaching assistant randomly assign half the class to write a paragraph each class period about how the material has meaning for their lives (meaning group). The other half writes a paragraph about what they did to prepare for class (preparation group). He does not know which of his students are writing which paragraph, and the students are not aware they are different writing assignments. To measure academic performance, he gives the students a midterm essay exam and a final exam.
-Refer to Research Study 10.1 above to answer the following question. Dr.Schulenberg likely designed his study so that neither he nor his students knew which group they were in to address which of the following?
A) Placebo effects
B) Attrition
C) Demand characteristics
D) Maturation
E) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Schulenberg likely designed his study so that neither he nor his students knew which group they were in to address demand characteristics, which are potential biases that can occur when participants modify their behavior or responses based on what they perceive the experimenter wants or expects. By keeping both himself and the students blind to the group assignments, Dr. Schulenberg minimizes the risk of demand characteristics affecting his results. The other options listed are not relevant to this particular design choice.

RESEARCH STUDY 10.1 In Previous Studies, Dr. Schulenberg Has Established That Finding Meaning