What method did Andrade use to control for variables during her experiment?

What method did Andrade use to control for variables during her experiment?

• A. She observed participants without interaction
• B. She randomized participants into doodling and control groups
• C. She involved only experts in doodling
• D. She conducted the experiment over multiple sessions

Answer: (B)

The method of randomizing participants into doodling and control groups is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the experiment's results. By randomizing subjects, Andrade was able to mitigate the influence of confounding variables that could skew the outcomes. This approach helps ensure that any differences observed in the performance of the doodling group compared to the control group can be more confidently attributed to the act of doodling itself, rather than other factors such as varying levels of engagement, cognitive abilities, or prior knowledge. Randomization is a foundational aspect of experimental design as it promotes equivalence between groups, ultimately leading to more valid conclusions about the effects of doodling on memory retention and attention. In contrast, merely observing participants without interaction would not allow for manipulation of variables, and involving only experts would limit generalizability, while conducting the experiment over multiple sessions might introduce variability rather than control it.

The method of randomizing participants into doodling and control groups is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the experiment's results. By randomizing subjects, Andrade was able to mitigate the influence of confounding variables that could skew the outcomes. This approach helps ensure that any differences observed in the performance of the doodling group compared to the control group can be more confidently attributed to the act of doodling itself, rather than other factors such as varying levels of engagement, cognitive abilities, or prior knowledge. Randomization is a foundational aspect of experimental design as it promotes equivalence between groups, ultimately leading to more valid conclusions about the effects of doodling on memory retention and attention.

In contrast, merely observing participants without interaction would not allow for manipulation of variables, and involving only experts would limit generalizability, while conducting the experiment over multiple sessions might introduce variability rather than control it.