Several studies have been reported showing a link between exposure to violent TV programs and aggressive behavior in children. Typically data are collected from parents about the viewing habits of their children and from teachers about the aggressiveness of those children at school, during recess etc. These data are often rating scale data. It is sometimes found that those children rated as high violent TV-watchers are also rated as more aggressive by their teachers than those children who are rated as low violent TV-watchers. Redesign this research problem using an experimental approach. Indicate the independent and the dependent variable and any participant variables you are proposing. Indicate what method of measurement you will use and the scale of measurement of each variable.

Question

Indicate how you will control factors that might influence validity.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Correct Answer:
One way to redesign the study might be to randomly assign children to each of two groups. One group would be exposed to a violent cartoon, and the other group would be exposed to an equally exciting but non-violent cartoon. All children would then be observed by an independent blind observer who would count the number of aggressive acts committed by each child. An aggressive act would be carefully defined. The nominal independent variable is type of cartoon; the ratio dependent variable is number of aggressive acts. The method of measurement is observation. Several participant variables could be studied including gender, age etc.