To design an experiment, begin with a question.
For example:
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How many digits can people remember?
Does highlighting or writing information down help us remember it better?
Does grouping help improve memory?
What is the effect of classical music on memory?
Is there a difference between male and female memory?
Do people have a more accurate visual or auditory memory?
Does color affect memory?
Is tactile information remembered differently than audio visual?
How do different types of background music affect high school students’
memory?
10. Does memory decrease with age?
Once you have your question, create a hypothesis. A hypothesis is your guess as
to how the experiment will turn out. It is okay if your hypothesis does not turn
out the way you expected!
For example:
1. Given a list of 10 digits, subjects will be able to accurately recall all 10. Given
a list of 11 or more, subjects’ recall accuracy will decrease significantly.
Given: Under what circumstances?
Who: Who is being tested?
What: Will the effect be?
To what degree: How often will we find this result?
2. Given a recipe, subjects who highlight ingredients will be able to recall
necessary ingredients 50% more accurately than subjects who do not
highlight ingredients.
Next, design your experiment.
Control group: (the group who does not “get manipulated”) My control group will
receive a list of 10 random digits and will be given 60 seconds to study them
Experimental group: (the group who receives a “manipulation”) My experimental
group will receive a list of 11 or more random digits, and will be given 60 seconds to
study them
Independent variable: List size
Dependent variable: Recall accuracy
Operational definitions: Recall – subjects’ ability to write the numbers down, in
order, in 30 seconds
Then, organize your results.
12
10
8
Control Group
6
Experimental Group
4
2
0
Recall of 1st Digit
Recall of 2nd Digit
Recall of 3rd Digit
Your data should show the results of your experiment. Your results will either
support your hypothesis, go against your hypothesis, or prove inconclusive. My data
supports my hypothesis that as the number of digits increases, recall decreases.
Finally, reflect on your findings.
This is the writing section of the experiment. You will use your results, the process,
and everything you know about memory to reflect on your experiment:
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What went well?
What was challenging?
How do your results relate to your hypothesis?
What conclusions you can draw from your experiment?
What questions your experiment has brought up?
How can someone else improve your research?
You will have until May 1st to complete your research and prepare your
presentation. Your presentation may take any format (PP, Prezi, Poster, Video) but
must include your hypothesis, your experimental design and methods, your results,
and your reflection. You may include pictures or clips of your participants (with
their written consent). Your project should be neat and orderly, and will be graded
on such.
Sample Consent Form
Research Participant Consent Form
Research Director: Kathleen Appleby, Teacher of Psychology, KHS
E-mail: kappleby@keansburg.k12.nj.us
Research Organization: AP Psychology
Title of Research Project: The Limits of Memory
DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PROCEDURES
The present study examines the limits of short term and working memory. Subjects will
be asked to complete a timed recall task for which they will be given a list of numbers to
study for 60 seconds. After each trial, subjects will be asked to write down as many
numbers, in the order presented order, as they can in 30 seconds. The trail should take
between 5-8 minutes. There are no known risks in participating in this study.
STATEMENT OF CONSENT AND AGREEMENT
1. I am freely choosing to participate without pressure or coercion.
2. The nature and purpose of this research and the possible benefits and risks have been
explained to me by the experimenter.
3. There are no foreseeable risks in participating in this study.
4. I understand that I may refuse to participate, skip any questions, or withdraw my
consent at any point and without penalty or prejudice.
5. I will be asked some demographic information and some other personal information at
the end of the experiment.
6. I understand that any information I provide and scores I receive will be anonymous and
confidential.
7. I have had, and will continue to have the opportunity to ask questions and voice
concerns to the experimenter present.
By signing below, I am indicating that I have read and understood all of the above and
consent to participate in this experiment.
Name of research
participant:__________________________________________________(Please print)
Signature of research participant: _____________________________________
Date: ______________
OPTIONAL: I agree for my picture/video to be taken during the experiment and used as
part of a presentation on the experiment.
Name:
________________________________________________________________________
Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Parental Consent (if under 18):
________________________________________________________________________