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Zoë investigated the use of operant conditioning in training two different animals - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 11
Zoë investigated the use of operant conditioning in training two different animals. She trained squirrels and mice to successfully complete a maze that she had desig... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Zoë investigated the use of operant conditioning in training two different animals - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using the Scientific Procedures Act (1986), state two considerations Zoë would have made for her research with squirrels and mice.
Answer
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Humane Treatment: Zoë would need to ensure that both animals were treated humanely and not subjected to any unnecessary distress during the experiment. This includes providing appropriate housing, food, and care before, during, and after the testing.
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Minimizing Stress: She would also have to implement measures to minimize any stress related to handling the animals or the experimental conditions, ensuring that the environment is comfortable for both squirrels and mice to perform naturally.
Step 2
State a fully operationalised directional (one-tailed) experimental hypothesis for Zoë's investigation.
Answer
Zoë's investigation will demonstrate that positive reinforcement using acorns will result in squirrels completing the maze in a shorter time compared to mice. Specifically, squirrels will take less time to find their way out of the maze than mice when rewarded with acorns.
Step 3
Explain one strength of Zoë's research in terms of reliability.
Answer
One strength of Zoë's research regarding reliability is that the use of standardized procedures ensures that the conditions under which both the squirrels and mice are tested remain consistent. This consistency allows for replicable results; other researchers can follow the same method to verify Zoë's findings, thus enhancing the reliability of the study.
Step 4
Explain one improvement that could be made to Zoë's investigation in terms of validity.
Answer
One improvement to enhance the validity of Zoë's investigation could be to include a control group. By having a group of animals that do not receive positive reinforcement (acorns), Zoë could determine whether the training effectiveness is actually due to the reinforcement method, thus providing clearer insight into the impact of operant conditioning on maze completion.