Dr. Ford wants to test the hypothesis that room color can affect memory. To that end, he randomly assigns 10 students to a condition where they study a written passage while seated in a room that is painted a lilac color. The other 10 students study the passage while seated in an identical room that is painted bright orange. After both groups studied the passage for one hour, they are given a multiple-choice test over the material. Dr. Ford then calculates how many questions the students answer correctly. He finds that students in the lilac-room condition score much better than the students in the orange-room condition. Based on this study, what can Dr. Ford conclude?
A) Room color predicts, but does not cause a change in, memory performance.
B) Different room colors have differential effects on memory performance.
C) Students like cool colors better than warm ones.
D) Warm colors make students angry.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dr. Ford can conclude that different room colors have differential effects on memory performance, as the students in the lilac-room condition scored better than those in the orange-room condition. However, he cannot conclude that room color predicts memory performance without further experimentation and replication. There is also no evidence to support choices C or D.

Dr Ford Wants to Test the Hypothesis That Room Color