A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which type of data was measured in Experiment 1 of Casey et al (2011)?

1. Qualitative data on participant experiences

2. Quantitative data measuring reactions and false alarms

3. Descriptive data using participant interviews

4. Ethnographic data from participant observations

The correct answer is: Quantitative data measuring reactions and false alarms

The reason quantitative data measuring reactions and false alarms is the correct answer relates to the specific methodology employed in Experiment 1 of Casey et al. (2011). This experiment utilized a visual Go/No-Go task, which required participants to make quick decisions that could be measured in terms of reaction times and accuracy. The data collected was numerical, enabling researchers to assess participants' performance by calculating the proportion of correct responses and the frequency of false alarms. Using quantitative measures allowed the researchers to conduct statistical analyses, which is crucial for determining the significance of their findings. This approach aligns with the goal of the study, which was to investigate self-control in both adults and children, specifically looking at behavioral outcomes in a structured manner. In contrast, qualitative data gathered from participant experiences would offer descriptive insights rather than measurable outcomes. Descriptive data from interviews wouldn't apply here as the focus was on task performance, not personal narratives. Moreover, ethnographic data from observations would involve a holistic understanding of behavior in natural settings, which was not the primary focus of the controlled experimental setting in this study. Thus, the emphasis on reaction times and accuracy in response underscores why quantitative data is the most fitting type of data measured in this experiment.