Mischel, W. (2014). The marshmallow test: understanding self-control and how to master it. Random House.
Hypothesis
The primary hypothesis in this study focuses on the fact that delayed gratification is a concept that one can learn if they change the way they think about a situation or habit. The null hypothesis involves the fact that late satisfaction cannot be a learned concept or a delay of it does not result in any change at all.
Variables
In this study, the independent variable is the ability to delay gratification while the dependent variable is the behavior or habit observed. The independent variable measurement involved the time it took to suspend a temptation as seen in the children who showed an ability to defer their urges as opposed to those who acted on them right away. On the other hand, the dependent variable is the habit or behavior in question as relates the delayed gratification and its measurement involves the ability to change a way of doing things or dropping an unhealthy practice.
Type of Research
The kind of research conducted in the Marshmallow test is a qualitative one since the data collected cannot qualify as relevant enough for statistical analysis. The research design used is the longitudinal research design since the study involved the tracking of the participants who had taken part in the survey when at the age of four to five years.
Participants
The study included preschool children as the subjects in the study with the other participant being the adult who instructed them whether they wanted to eat their marshmallow immediately or they could wait for some time then get another additional one.
Procedures
Different preschool children were brought into a room individually except twins included together. They were then instructed by an adult whether they would like one marshmallow at that moment or wait some time for the adult to come back into the room and get another marshmallow. The adult then left the room while the researchers made their observations from a one-way mirror to see what the children decided to do.
Measures/Materials
The independent variable data collection involved the use of unobtrusive observation using observation rooms and one-way mirrors. The dependent variable data was collected using document data for the SAT scores and Body Mass Index.
Fisher, C. (2010). The Monkey Business Illusion-A Great New Take on a Classic Psychological Study
Hypothesis
The primary hypothesis is that knowing that an unexpected event is going to take place does not increase their chances of noticing other unforeseen circumstances. The null hypothesis
Variables
The independent variable is the events taking place in the video while the dependent variable is the ability to spot an unexpected event. The independent variable measured uses the level of obviousness in the event. The dependent variable measurement is done by evaluating the number of unforeseen circumstances spotted.
Type of Research
The kind of research was a qualitative one. An exploratory design method was a preference used in this study since the researcher aimed at gaining new insights on the concept of in-attentional blindness by modifying the unexpected events.
Participants
The subjects in the study were six girls dressed in black and white tee shirts and a person dressed in a gorilla suit.
Procedures
Two groups of girls dressed in white and black tee shirts were asked to pass a basketball around while. In turn, the study subjects were then asked to ignore the girls in white tee shirts and count the number of times the girls in black passed the ball.
Measures/Materials
Both the dependent and independent variable data collection involved unobtrusive observational methods. The modification of the independent variable which increased its level of not being noticed proved the primary hypothesis thus ensuring internal validity and reliability. Observation measured in-attentional blindness with the internal validity and reliability being the fact it became unnoticeable to most subjects.
