If the methodology is skewed, the results will be skewed. That's the takeaway from an exercise designed to get class members thinking about research methods and statistics gathering. Instructors manipulate the testing environment to prove that cookies improve memory. 

Concepts

sampling, control groups, controlled experiments, the scientific method

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Before conducting the exercise, prepare examples of using statistics to describe data, to draw conclusions, or to test hypotheses
• To eliminate possible confusion, inform school officials ahead of time of the experiment

Classroom Considerations

• Requires extensive debriefing to assure class members that the activity was designed to teach a concept and should not be taken as representative of normal class procedures
• The final activity in a three-part sequence focusing on psychology research methods and statistics
• Presumes class members have discussed the "Key Points to Remember of Research Methods and Statistics" reference sheet

Pros

• Class members use their experience in the exercise to identify the possible errors in methodology

Cons

• No examples of using statistics to describe data or using statistics to draw conclusions or test hypotheses are included in the resource

Common Core

SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a