Research Methods 

Basic Worksheet on Experiment and Correlation Submitted by Amy Sweetman amysweetman@earthlink.net

Experiment (Independent and Dependent Variable Worksheet) Correlation (What’s the relationship)

Find the Independent and Dependent Variables in the following scenarios

1. Dr. Baldwin studies the effects of marijuana on memory she designs an experiment where half the group is receiving THC ( the active ingredient in Marijuana) and the other group gets oregano. The subjects are all given the same list of words to study while they are smoking the substances. Recall is tested 1 hour later.

2. A test was designed to test the effects of alcohol on motor coordination group one was given a mixed drink with two shots of alcohol in it. Group two was given a mixed drink with one shot of alcohol in it. Then their motor coordination was tested by asking them to do a series of balancing exercises.

3. A study was conducted on sleep deprivation and cognitive performance on a problem solving test. One group of subjects was deprived of 1 hour of sleep, the other group of subjects was deprived of 4 hours of sleep. Then they were given the problem solving test.

4. A recent report found that blueberries enhanced the maze running performance of mice. What was the independent variable and dependent variable of this experiment?

5.We are studying whether or not a new vitamin supplement helps boost memory retention. What is the IV and DV?

6. If I wished to try a new cooperative teaching method and I wanted to study how effective it is compared to the standard lecture method. How would I design my experiment?

Answer the Correlation questions

1. There was a -.85 relationship between the amount of exercise people do and their weight. What does this mean?

2. It has been found that the more control people have over their work environments, the more productive they are. What type of correlation would this be?

3. A study found that the less drugs people do the higher their grade point average, what type of correlation would this be?

4. A study found that the more people sleep, the younger they are. This is an example of what type of correlation?

5. If a +.55 relationship was found between variable A and variable B what would this mean?

6. Research has found that the bigger the credit line a bank offers, the more money people owe. This is an example of a ________________ correlation.,

7. If I found a correlation coefficient of.-75 between variables A and Variables B what would this mean?