Moray (Auditory Attention)
Lab Experiment
A lab experiment was conducted, this means the study had good internal validity because of
how standardised procedures were. However, lab experiments can result in demand
characteristics that compromise validity
Repeated Measures
In experiment 1 and 2 a repeated measures design was used. This type of design reduces
the impact of subject variables on results but it could cause order effects when participants
become bored or tired.
Independent Measures
In experiment 3 an independent measures design was used. This type of design means that
participants won't find out the aim of the study and are less likely to present order effects,
however finding more participants can be time consuming.
Quantitative Data
Allows comparisons across conditions which allows results to be easily summarised. It
allows reliability to be tested through replication
Qualitative
There was no analysis of qualitative data which means we have no insight into the cognitive
processes
Ethical Considerations
There were very few ethical considerations in the study - participants were given practice -
reducing the chances of participants becoming confused and distressed. BPS guidelines
were also followed because they all gave consent
Internal Validity
Conducting a lab experiment results in high internal validity because of the highly controlled
variables - which standardise procedures - giving all participants the same experience
Ecological Validity
There was low ecological validity because of the high control over variables, for example all
participants wore headphones and this would not replicate a real life situation. This reduces
how well findings can be generalised.
Reliability
The study is highly reliable because it is a controlled lab experiment and therefore can be
easily replicated - adding to the reliability. However, we cannot be sure that all participants
can properly follow instructions.
Lab Experiment
A lab experiment was conducted, this means the study had good internal validity because of
how standardised procedures were. However, lab experiments can result in demand
characteristics that compromise validity
Repeated Measures
In experiment 1 and 2 a repeated measures design was used. This type of design reduces
the impact of subject variables on results but it could cause order effects when participants
become bored or tired.
Independent Measures
In experiment 3 an independent measures design was used. This type of design means that
participants won't find out the aim of the study and are less likely to present order effects,
however finding more participants can be time consuming.
Quantitative Data
Allows comparisons across conditions which allows results to be easily summarised. It
allows reliability to be tested through replication
Qualitative
There was no analysis of qualitative data which means we have no insight into the cognitive
processes
Ethical Considerations
There were very few ethical considerations in the study - participants were given practice -
reducing the chances of participants becoming confused and distressed. BPS guidelines
were also followed because they all gave consent
Internal Validity
Conducting a lab experiment results in high internal validity because of the highly controlled
variables - which standardise procedures - giving all participants the same experience
Ecological Validity
There was low ecological validity because of the high control over variables, for example all
participants wore headphones and this would not replicate a real life situation. This reduces
how well findings can be generalised.
Reliability
The study is highly reliable because it is a controlled lab experiment and therefore can be
easily replicated - adding to the reliability. However, we cannot be sure that all participants
can properly follow instructions.
