Short Answer

Using the structural logic of Schnall and colleagues' experiment, propose a design for a new factorial study investigating academic performance. Specify one manipulated environmental independent variable, one measured participant independent variable, and the dependent variable you would measure.

Question: Using the structural logic of Schnall and colleagues' experiment, propose a design for a new factorial study investigating academic performance. Specify one manipulated environmental independent variable, one measured participant independent variable, and the dependent variable you would measure.

Sample answer: A new design could investigate how a classroom environment and a student's personal trait affect academic performance. The manipulated environmental independent variable would be classroom lighting (brightly lit versus dimly lit room). The measured participant independent variable would be the student's level of test anxiety (measured via a self-report questionnaire). The dependent variable would be the score achieved on a standardized reading comprehension exam.

Key points:

  • Proposes a manipulated environmental independent variable.
  • Proposes a measured participant independent variable.
  • Proposes a clear dependent variable measuring academic performance.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the student must propose: (1) one environmental independent variable that is manipulated (e.g., lighting, temperature, noise), (2) one participant trait or state that is measured (e.g., anxiety, personality trait, preference), and (3) one dependent variable measuring academic performance (e.g., test score, task completion time). The variables must form a logical factorial design.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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