Essay

Define the 'last name effect' as an example of a negative relationship. Specifically, recall the two variables involved and explain how they change in relation to one another to demonstrate this negative trend.

Question: Define the 'last name effect' as an example of a negative relationship. Specifically, recall the two variables involved and explain how they change in relation to one another to demonstrate this negative trend.

Sample answer: The last name effect is a negative relationship between the alphabetical position of a person's last name and their response time to consumer appeals. The two variables are: (1) the alphabetical position of the last name (where letters later in the alphabet, like Z, have a higher position value) and (2) the response time to consumer appeals. It demonstrates a negative trend because as the alphabetical position of the last name increases (moving toward the end of the alphabet), the response time decreases (meaning the individual responds faster/has a lower time value).

Key points:

  • The last name effect is an example of a negative relationship.
  • One variable is the alphabetical position of the person's last name.
  • The other variable is the response time to consumer appeals.
  • As alphabetical position increases, response time decreases (becomes faster).

Rubric: A complete answer must identify the last name effect as a negative relationship, name both variables (alphabetical position of last name and response time to appeals), and describe the direction of their relationship (as alphabetical position increases, response time decreases/becomes faster).

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related