Read the article titled “Recalling Semantic and Episodic Information From Faces and Voices: A Face Advantage” attached above. Demonstrate an understanding of the research process used by cognitive psychologists and apply them to other topics. To demonstrate some competency in research, answer the following questions in a brief essay paper. You may use each question as a heading in the paper for organizational purposes:
Summarize the article
This article states most experiments they looked at have been between-subject experiments. Based on what you read in Chapter 1, what does that mean? If you were doing these experiments would you prefer a between-subject or within-subject approach? Why would you choose one over the other?
On page 380 of the article research by Barsicks and Bredant (The 2012b article noted in the first full paragraph on the left side of the page) is discussed. How might you state the hypothesis they tested (you can figure it out using the instructions below)?
What are the dependent and independent variables in the study?
To Answer Question 3 Do the Following:
On page 15 of your text, the following study is described:
“Participants might perform several memory tasks but receive a different set of instructions for each task. The investigator then compares the performance of the participants in the first condition with the performance of the same participants in another condition.”
What we have in the above study is a researcher who is interested in whether or not the instructions one is given before attempting to complete a memory task impact how much one can recall at a later point. In the first group, they may have been given a long set of boring instructions and in the second group, they may have been given a short animated video to tell them how to do what they need to do. After receiving the instructions they are asked to perform memory tests. The researcher is trying to see if one set of instructions is better than another. The hypothesis he or she might be proposing might be:
Understanding the Research Process in Cognitive Psychology
Introduction
Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on studying mental processes such as perception, memory, and attention. Researchers in this field employ various research methods and designs to investigate these cognitive processes. In this essay, we will summarize an article titled "Recalling Semantic and Episodic Information From Faces and Voices: A Face Advantage" and discuss the research process used by cognitive psychologists. We will also examine how these research methods can be applied to other topics.
Summarizing the Article
The article "Recalling Semantic and Episodic Information From Faces and Voices: A Face Advantage" examines the recall of semantic and episodic information from faces and voices. The authors investigate whether individuals have a better memory for faces compared to voices when recalling semantic and episodic information. The study utilizes experiments and data analysis techniques to explore this research question.
Between-Subject Experiments
In Chapter 1, it is explained that between-subject experiments involve different groups of participants being assigned to different conditions or treatments. Each group is exposed to a specific condition, and the researchers compare the results across these groups. In the context of the article, this means that different groups of participants were assigned to either face or voice conditions, and their recall performance was compared.
If I were conducting these experiments, I would prefer a within-subject approach. This approach involves using the same participants in all conditions of the experiment. By doing so, we can control for individual differences and potential confounding variables. Additionally, within-subject designs often require fewer participants, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Hypothesis Tested by Barsicks and Bredant
On page 380 of the article, research by Barsicks and Bredant is mentioned. To state the hypothesis they tested, we can infer that they investigated whether there is a difference in recall performance between faces and voices when it comes to both semantic and episodic information. The hypothesis could be stated as follows: "People will have better recall for semantic and episodic information from faces compared to voices."
Dependent and Independent Variables
In the study, the dependent variable is the recall performance of the participants, specifically their ability to remember semantic and episodic information. The independent variable is the type of stimuli presented to the participants, which can be either faces or voices.
Conclusion
Cognitive psychologists employ various research methods and designs to investigate mental processes. Between-subject experiments involve different groups of participants being assigned to different conditions, while within-subject experiments use the same participants in all conditions. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific research question and objectives. By understanding the research process in cognitive psychology, researchers can effectively design experiments and analyze data to gain insights into cognitive processes.