Conduct a study in your group to see the effect of recitation on learning of poetry. Take 10 six-year olds and divide them into two groups. Give group 1 a new poem to learn and instruct them to read it loudly for 15 minutes. Take group 2 and give them the same new poem to learn but instruct them not to read it loudly. After 15 minutes ask the two groups to recall. Care needs to be taken to see that both the groups are dealt with separately. After the recall has taken place, note down the observation. Identify what method of research you used, the hypothesis, the variables and the kind of experimental design that were there. Compare notes with the other groups and share the result with your teacher in the class.
(Experimental Design) This study follows a two-group experimental design. There is an experimental group (Group 1) that receives the treatment of reading loudly, and a control group (Group 2) that reads silently. Both groups are dealt with separately to ensure proper control. The performance of both groups is measured in terms of recall and then compared.
(Hypothesis) The hypothesis for this study would be: Recitation (reading aloud) has an effect on the learning of poetry. More specifically, reading a poem loudly leads to better recall compared to reading it silently.
(Observations and Results) After conducting the study, observations should be noted down regarding how much of the poem each group could recall. The results should then be compared with other groups in the class to see if similar patterns emerge. Finally, the findings should be shared with the teacher in class for discussion and conclusion.
(Research Method) The experimental method was used in this study. Experiments are conducted to establish cause-effect relationship between two sets of events or variables in a controlled setting. It is a carefully regulated procedure where changes are made in one factor and its effect is studied on another factor, while keeping other related factors constant.
(Variables) There are two main variables in this experiment:
-
Independent Variable: The method of learning, i.e., reading loudly versus reading silently. This is the cause that is being manipulated.
-
Dependent Variable: The recall of the poem after 15 minutes. This is the effect or the behaviour that changes because of the manipulation.
Explanation
This question tests students' understanding of the experimental method as a research methodology in psychology. The textbook context clearly explains that experiments establish cause-effect relationships in controlled settings. Students need to identify that the independent variable is what is manipulated (reading method) and the dependent variable is what is measured (recall). The two-group design allows comparison between treatment and control conditions.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the research method as experimental method based on the cause-effect relationship being studied.
Step 2: Formulate the hypothesis linking recitation to learning outcomes.
Step 3: Distinguish between independent variable (manipulated) and dependent variable (measured).
Step 4: Recognize the two-group design with experimental and control groups.
Step 5: Describe the procedure of observation, comparison, and sharing results.