In this assignment, you will read an article about the Mozart effect and identify various parts of the research process. This exercise will help you learn how to read a research article and to understand the research process.
Read the following article:
In your article summary, respond to the following questions:
- State the research hypothesis in your own words. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
- What were some variables the researchers controlled in their study? Why was this necessary?
- What evidence do the researchers offer as a test of their hypothesis? Is this evidence empirical (observable)? Is it valid?
- What explanation do the researchers offer for their findings? Does the evidence justify this explanation?
Read the following article:
Jenkins, J.S. (2001). The Mozart effect. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 94, 170-172.
Based on your readings, respond to the following:
- Do you think there is any merit in the study (Rauscher, Shaw, & Ky, 1993)? Give three reasons for your position.
- Does the study take individual differences in spatial ability into account? Explain your answer.
- What are two ways in which the experiment could be modified to make the results more generalizable?
Write a 5–6-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M1_A3.doc.
By Wednesday, May 13, 2015, deliver your assignment to the M1: Assignment 3 Dropbox.
| Assignment 3 Grading Criteria | Maximum Points |
| Accurately identified and described the research hypothesis and variables studied in the research article. Identified any control variables, and explained the necessity of controlling them. | 12 |
| Evaluated validity of the evidence presented as a test of the hypothesis in the research article. | 12 |
| Evaluated interpretation of results in the research article. | 12 |
| Critically assessed the merit of the research study providing at least three reasons. | 12 |
| Evaluated whether the test took into account individual differences in spatial ability giving reasons. | 12 |
| Suggested at least two ways to modify the experiment to make the results more generalizable. | 20 |
| Wrote in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrated ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; displayed accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation. | 20 |
| Total: | 100 |
