AAQ Practice

AAQ Part C - Describe the meaning of the identified statistic.

A study examined the effectiveness of mnemonics on memory retention. The range of recall scores in the mnemonic group was 5 words (highest score: 20, lowest score: 15).

What does the range of 5 words indicate about recall scores in the mnemonic group?

• All participants recalled between 15 and 20 words.

• The average recall score was 5 words.

• Most participants scored closer to 15 than 20 words.

• The scores of participants were evenly distributed across 5 points.

Answer explanation

The range indicates the difference between the highest and lowest scores (20 - 15 = 5).

AAQ Part C - Describe the meaning of the identified statistic.

Researchers tested whether sleep duration affects memory recall. Participants who slept 8 hours had a mean recall score of 15 words out of 20, while those who slept 4 hours had a mean recall score of 8 words.

What does the mean recall score of 15 words for the 8-hour group indicate?

• Most participants in the 8-hour group recalled exactly 15 words.

• The majority of participants in the 8-hour group recalled fewer than 15 words.

• The average number of words recalled by the 8-hour group was 15.

• All participants in the 8-hour group recalled at least 15 words.

Answer explanation

The mean represents the average recall score, calculated by summing all scores and dividing by the number of participants.

AAQ Part B - What is the operational definition of the independent variable?

A study investigates whether using flashcards or taking notes is more effective for improving memory. Participants use one of the two methods to study definitions, and their scores on a memory test are recorded.

• The scores participants receive on the memory test.

• The number of flashcards participants use during the study.

• The method participants use to study (flashcards or taking notes).

• The total number of definitions studied by the participants.

Answer explanation

Remember: The operational definition is a specific explanation of the variable (how it is measured or quantified).

The independent variable is what the researchers manipulate to examine its effect on the dependent variable.

In this case, the two methods (flashcards and note-taking) are the manipulated conditions.

• AAQ Practice: PART A - What research method is used in this study?

• A study surveyed adults to measure their daily caffeine intake and performance on memory tests, analyzing the relationship between these two variables.

• Experiment

• Correlational Research Study

• Case Study

• Naturalistic Observation

• Meta-Analysis

Answer explanation

• This is a correlational study because it examines the relationship between two variables (caffeine intake and memory performance) without manipulating either.

• AAQ Practice: PART A - What research method is used in this study?

• In a lab setting, participants were randomly assigned to either listen to music or sit in silence while memorizing a list of words. Their recall ability was then tested to determine the effect of background music on memory performance.

• Experiment

• Correlational Research Study

• Case Study

• Naturalistic Observation

• Meta-Analysis

Answer explanation

• This is an experimental study because it involves random assignment to groups (music vs. silence) and manipulation of an independent variable (background music) to observe its effect on memory.

AAQ Part C - Describe the meaning of the identified statistic.

A memory test was given to high school students, and one student scored in the 85th percentile for recall accuracy.

What does it mean for the student to score in the 85th percentile?

• The student’s score was in the top 10% of all test-takers.

• The student’s score was exactly 85 points higher than the average score.

• The student scored 85% of the total possible points on the test.

• The student scored higher than 85% of other students.

Answer explanation

Percentile rank shows the percentage of scores below a given score, meaning the student outperformed 85% of peers.

• AAQ Practice: PART A - What research method is used in this study?

• Researchers collected survey data from 200 college students about their average nightly sleep duration and their performance on memory recall tests, analyzing the relationship between the amount of sleep and memory performance.

• Experiment

• Correlational Research Study

• Case Study

• Naturalistic Observation

• Meta-Analysis

Answer explanation

• This is a correlational study because it compares two variables (sleep duration and memory recall) to determine if there is a relationship between them, without manipulating any variables.

AAQ Part D - What ethical guideline was followed in this study?

Researchers tested memory retention by asking participants to recall lists of words after listening to them. All data collected, including participants' results and demographic information, was stored anonymously and securely to protect their identity.

• The ethical guideline followed in this study was confidentiality.

• The ethical guideline followed in this study was informed consent.

• The ethical guideline followed in this study was protection from harm.

• The ethical guideline followed in this study was debriefing.

Answer explanation

Ensuring data was stored securely and anonymously aligns with the principle of confidentiality.

AAQ Part B - What is the operational definition of the dependent variable?

A team of psychologists tests whether consuming sugar improves short-term memory. Participants drink either a sugary beverage or a sugar-free placebo before attempting to memorize and recite a sequence of numbers

• The type of beverage participants consume (sugary or sugar-free).

• The number of numbers participants can recite from memory.

• The brand of sugary beverage given to participants.

• The amount of sugar in the beverages provided.

Answer explanation

Remember: The operational definition is a specific explanation of the variable (how it is measured or quantified).

The dependent variable in this study is memory, measured by the participants’ ability to recall numbers after consuming a sugary or sugar-free beverage.

• AAQ Practice: PART A - What research method is used in this study?

• Psychologists observed interactions between preschool children on a playground, noting instances where children spontaneously helped peers remember the rules of games, without influencing or interacting with the children.

• Experiment

• Correlational Research Study

• Case Study

• Naturalistic Observation

• Meta-Analysis

Answer explanation

• This is naturalistic observation because researchers observed behaviors in a natural, untouched environment (a playground) without interacting with or influencing the participants.