The independent variable is that which the researcher can manipulate otherwise referred to as the presumed cause. The dependent variables on the other hand are the aspects of the experiment that are quantifiable and can also be described as the presumed effects. The experiment relies on the presumed causes of eye movements and discriminative abilities as the anticipated source of variant findings on the theory of the mind forming the independent variables. The dependent variables are represented by primary detection and the locative abilities of the participants as quantified by the percentages of interaction between the true vs. false belief and the location face vs. ball vs. no ball eye movements as quantified by each experiment.
According to Criswell (2008), the relationship between the variables can be estimated after comparing the average score on the dependent variable. Marrczyk, DeMatteo and Festlinger (2005), suggest that the placebo effect causes differences in subject’s expectations from treatment and no-treatment control conditions. The treatment condition represents the situation or circumstances created by a given value of a manipulated variable. In this case, the experiment has two treatment conditions. The first tests the participants’ implicit metalizing ability over a single basic trial while the second treatment condition tests the participants implicit metalizing over multiple trials through a more difficult primary task.
The research design applied in this experiment is descriptive research design. During the experiment, natural behaviors, attitudes, health status and habits of a child are observed without interfering with them. In the meantime, the participants displayed different eye movement patterns that showed how a mind and eyesight coordinates well. The power of thinking involving sensory coordination of objects and images interpreted in mind is crucial.
As a social science, psychology attempts to study individuals through experimental research. First, descriptive studies use statistical analysis to evaluate raw data from experimental research. This implies that the raw data to be analyzed were collected through various experiments. In addition, the two variables have a causal relationship or correlation with no clear explanation on how the relationship works unless demonstrated experimentally (Criswell 2008).
In descriptive research design, the findings can be used to test the feasibility of a scientific research or a hypothesis. Secondly, the study can be one-time interaction with individuals or the individuals might be for the entire period. For instance, since there is little or no interference in the natural setting, the child will display the normal eye movement pattern and remain unchanged. As a result, the outcome accepted as true and can be subject to further analysis. Is it possible to design a descriptive study differently? Marrczyk, DeMatteo and Festlinger (2005) suggested that with improved technology, accurate and quality can be obtained. Moreover, with advanced marketing research and survey, the researcher develops a clear understanding of the variables. Therefore, it will improve the plan and the choice of research method that suites the study.
Experimental research design can be used effectively where the causal relationship is consistent while its magnitude is significant. During the experiment, the researcher can manipulate one variable and impose control over the other variants. Different control groups assigned different subjects where one effect is tested at a time. Phenomenon or causation can be predicted through experiments. Therefore, it can help to provide further explanations behind different events in the society.
References
Criswell, J. (2008). Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method Approaches. London: Sage Publications.
Marrczyk,G.,DeMatteo, D.,&Festlinger,D.(2005).Essentials of Research Design and Methodology: Essentials of Behavioral Science Series.Philadelphia: Wiley.