MCAT® ExamPsychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of BehaviorMedium
A researcher conducts a study on the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance. They randomly assign 100 participants to one of two groups: Group A sleeps for 4 hours per night, and Group B sleeps for 8 hours per night. After one week, all participants complete a series of cognitive tasks, and their scores are recorded. The researcher then calculates the average cognitive task score for each group and compares them. This study design is an example of a:
- ACorrelational study
- BObservational study
- CExperimental study
- DCase study
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Experimental study
This is an experimental study because the researcher actively manipulates an independent variable (sleep duration) and randomly assigns participants to different conditions to observe its effect on a dependent variable (cognitive performance), allowing for conclusions about cause-and-effect.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A correlational study measures the relationship between two variables without manipulating either.
- B. An observational study involves observing and recording behavior without intervention or manipulation.
- D. A case study involves an in-depth investigation of a single individual or group.
Experimental Study
A research method where the researcher manipulates one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable, typically involving random assignment to control and experimental groups.
- Allows for cause-and-effect conclusions
- Involves manipulation of variables
- Often includes random assignment and control groups
Memory trick: Experimental: 'EX'amine cause-effect by 'EX'perimenting.