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Exploring Controlled Laboratory Experiments: Caffeine's Effect on Stamina and Pet Ownership Satisfaction

This document discusses a typical controlled laboratory investigation using two experiments. The first examines the impact of caffeine consumption on physical stamina, with participants divided into treatment and control groups to measure differences in treadmill jogging distance. The second explores relationship satisfaction between dog and cat owners through self-selected groups, utilizing the Dyadic Adjustment Scale to gauge results. Both examples highlight the importance of random assignment and measurement in experimental design to derive clear conclusions.

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Exploring Controlled Laboratory Experiments: Caffeine's Effect on Stamina and Pet Ownership Satisfaction

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  1. a typical experiment prototype of a controlled laboratory investigation

  2. In the most typical experiment • Subjects are randomly assigned to a “treatment” or “control” group. • The treatment group is exposed to the experimental stimulus. • The control group is not exposed to the experimental stimulus • The researcher measures any resulting differences between the treatment and control group

  3. Example 1: treatment group versus control group • RQ: Does caffeine consumption increase physical stamina? • Independent variable: caffeine consumption versus no caffeine consumption • Dependent variable: physical stamina as measured by the total distance jogged on a treadmill in 1 hour.

  4. Random assignment • Random assignment produces equivalent groups for comparison purposes • 200 volunteers are randomly assigned to a treatment group or control group N = 200 treatment group = 100 control group = 100

  5. treatment group Consumes 12 oz. (500 milligrams) of coffee just before jogging on a treadmill control group Consumes 12 oz. Of decaffeinated coffee just before jogging on a treadmill Operationalization of the independent variable

  6. Measurement of the dependent variable • The total distance of each jogger is measured by the treadmill’s counter to the nearest 1/10 mile. There is a 1 hr. time limit. Two observers watch to ensure the joggers are jogging (8-12 minute pace), not walking, until they stop. • The average distance of the joggers in the treatment group is compared with the average distance of joggers in the control group.

  7. Example 2: comparison groups • RQ: Do dog owners report greater relationship satisfaction than cat owners? • Independent variable: pet ownership, e.g., dogs owners versus cat owners • Dependent variable: relationship satisfaction, as measured by the “Dyadic Adjustment Scale.”

  8. Non-random assignment • Some experiments rely on “intact” or “self-selected” groups • People already own their pets. They can’t be randomly assigned to own one pet or another

  9. 91 dog owners are selected using a “mall intercept” technique The dog owners do not own a cat or any other pets. 103 cat owners are selected using a “mall intercept” technique The cat owners do not own a dog or any other pets. Operationalization of the independent variable

  10. Measurement of the dependent variable • All of the respondents are asked to complete the “Dyadic Adjustment Scale” • a paper-pencil survey that asks respondents to rate the quality of their relationship with a significant other. • The average ratings of the dog owners are then compared with the average ratings of the cat owners to see if there is a significant difference.

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