Question

For the following problems, identify the type of investigation used (i.e., non-experimental, experimental, or quasi- experimental) and all independent, dependent, and, if any, extraneous variables

A researcher examines the effects of controlled breaks on reaction times of Air Traffic Controllers. The controllers are randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 has 20 controllers who spend 45 minutes on a break in a quiet room, with no talking, TV, or other electronics. Group 2 has 20 controllers who spend their 45 minutes on a break in a common area break room where people are allowed to talk, watch TV, or use electronic devices. Following the breaks, each group of controllers returned to their shift where their reaction times were assessed.

What type of investigation is this?
What are the variables?

Answer 1

Type of investigation = Experimental

Dependent variable = The reaction time of the controllers

Independent variable = Controlled breaks

Explanation:

A researcher is examining the effects of controlled breaks on reaction times of Air Traffic Controllers.

The controllers are randomly assigned to two groups.

Group 1 and Group 2

Group 1 has 20 controllers who spend 45 minutes on a break in a quiet room, with no talking, TV, or other electronics.

Group 2 has 20 controllers who spend their 45 minutes on a break in a common area break room where people are allowed to talk, watch TV, or use electronic devices.

After the breaks, the reaction times of controllers in the two groups were measured.

Type of investigation?

This is clearly an experimental type of investigation where the researcher performs an experiment and after that measures the results.

Type of variables involved?

In this experimental investigation, we have both dependent as well as independent variable.

The controlled break is the independent variable since it can be manipulated by the researcher.

The reaction time of the controllers is the dependent variable since it is being measured and is expected to get affected when the independent variable is manipulated that is controlled breaks.