FRQ 2

Directions: You should present a cogent argument based on your critical analysis of the questions posed, using appropriate psychological terminology. It is not enough to answer a question by merely listing facts or providing definitions only.

Eleanor is the owner of a cupcake bakery. She sells different flavors and sizes of cupcakes, but in general, she believes that when she puts chocolate frosting on the cupcakes, people are more satisfied. She is proposing an experimental study to examine this belief.

Identify the independent variable in this study. Identify the control group in this study. Provide an example of a valid operational definition of “customer satisfaction.” Explain how random assignment would help establish cause and effect in this experiment. Explain why it would be difficult to use a double-blind procedure for this study. Explain how sensory interaction might relate to a person’s cupcake choice.