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Case Study

Based on this case study, decide which statistical test the psychologist should plan to use to analyze the memory recall scores, and justify why this test is appropriate for her specific research design.

Case context: A research psychologist is designing a study to investigate the effect of different studying techniques on memory retention. She plans to recruit 90 undergraduate students and randomly assign 30 students to use visual mapping, 30 to use rote repetition, and 30 to use elaborative interrogation. After one week, all students will take the same memory recall test.

Question: Based on this case study, decide which statistical test the psychologist should plan to use to analyze the memory recall scores, and justify why this test is appropriate for her specific research design.

Sample answer: The psychologist should use a one-way ANOVA to analyze the scores. This test is appropriate because she is comparing the means of more than two samples (the three different studying technique groups) to determine if there are significant differences. Furthermore, her study uses a between-subjects design with a single independent variable (studying technique) manipulated across independent groups.

Key points:

  • Decides that the one-way ANOVA is the correct statistical test to use.
  • Justifies that the study compares the means of more than two samples (three studying groups).
  • Justifies that the study utilizes a between-subjects design with independent groups.
  • Justifies that there is a single manipulated independent variable (studying technique).

Rubric: The response must accurately diagnose the correct statistical test and justify the decision by mapping the specific details of the case study to the requirements of the test.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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