Essay Sample on Experiment Design

Introduction

When experimenting with a hypothesis, all the variables need to be the same in exception of the independent variable. Since this is a controlled experiment, the group that is testing the independent variable is the experimental group. The other group is the control group. The control group proves the dependent variable. A comparison of the two groups shows the effects of the independent variable (Kirk, 2007). All variables in each group are kept the same to allow the researcher to determine if the variable is responsible for the reflected effects.

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In this experiment, the experimental design tests the hypothesis that talking on cell phones impairs driving skills. Talking on cell phones is the independent variable while driving skills is the dependent variable. The results from the control group are the standard that the researchers use to measure the experimental group. However, all other variables in the said groups remain the same. Some variables such as the number of participants in each group. The type of phones used. The kind of car driven and even the control location. The time is also kept constant to ensure that everybody gets the same opportunity. The control group is therefore essential to show the difference between speaking on the mobile phone and not doing so.

Researchers need to assign subjects to two groups of equal number. To increase the credibility of the research, a high number of people should participate in the study. At least 100 people per group. The members of each group need to belong to a relatively the same age group. Therefore the researchers should make a point of eliminating any chance of third-party variable interfering with the experiment. The interview for participation in the research needs to verify the identity of the members. Their views on talking on the cell phone while driving. Their driving experience and the type of car they have operated. Their place of residence. These questions will help establish whether the members have good driving experience that conforms to the requirements for participation. Subjects such as their views on talking on cell phone while driving removes instances of bias. A participant might try and manipulate the results because he or she has a bias towards the issue of driving while talking on the phone. It is also necessary to verify the health and physical condition of the drivers. Physical features such as a broken foot or arm can easily influence the driving skills of the driver. Psychological conditions such as trauma suffered from a previous accident is a variable that the researchers should try to eliminate.

Conclusion

Some of the factors discussed above are meant to ensure that the only difference between both conditions is talking on the cell phone. Further design features include using the same car for both states. If possible, the researchers could provide the same phone for every test. Factors such as voice clarity and ringtone can easily manipulate the driver's reaction. The weather needs to be the same. Since the weather is not an element that is within the control of the researchers, they could choose to experiment indoors. Such as inside an airplane hanger or a stadium which prevents weather elements such as winds and sunlight from influencing the data. In general, the researchers should do their best to provide the best driving conditions for driving. At such level, any difference in the drivers' driving skill between the control group and the experimental group will be because of talking on cell phone.

Reference

Kirk, R. E. (2007). Experimental design. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology.