Understanding Situational Influences: PSYC1090 Test of Difference

This assignment presents a practical psychology study investigating the impact of situational influences on exam performance. The study, conducted at De Montfort University, involves participants completing multiple-choice exams under different environmental conditions. The assignment includes the participant information sheet, consent form, and debrief sheet, providing detailed insights into the study's methodology, ethical considerations, and objectives. The tests themselves, Test A and Test B, are included, offering a glimpse into the type of questions used to assess general knowledge. The study aims to understand how subtle environmental factors, such as the presence of images, can affect individuals' performance. The assignment provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, from participant recruitment and data collection to ethical considerations and the study's debriefing process. This assignment is designed to provide students with a practical understanding of psychological research methods, experimental design, and the factors that influence human behavior.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
Title of Project: Understanding situational influences on exam performance
Name of Investigator: Dr Anuenue Baker-Kukona
You have been invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to take part it is
important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take
time to read the following information carefully, and ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you
would like more information.
What is the study about?
The current study investigates individuals’ exam performance in a laboratory setting. The study’s aim is
to understand how situational factors affect performance.
What does the study involve?
In the current study, you will be asked to complete a set of multiple-choice exams in the Psychology
research cubicles. The exams will include a number of general knowledge questions. After each exam,
you will be asked to report the number of correct responses you made to the experimenter. You will
also be asked to provide demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity). The entire study will
last approximately 45 minutes, and you will receive 45 minutes of RPS for your participation. In
addition, you may receive a bonus payment (up to £5) based on your performance on the exam(s).
Why have I been chosen?
You have been invited to participate because you meet the following inclusion criteria: 18+ years old.
Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be given this
information sheet to keep and you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part you
are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.
What if I agree to take part and then change my mind?
You can withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, and your data will be removed
from the study. However, once you have completed the study, your data cannot be removed.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
The primary disadvantage of participating is that you will have to give up some of your time. In
addition, if you have anxiety about exams, the current study could cause you to become upset.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
The advantages of participating include gaining experience with psychological research and
contributing to our understanding of human cognition.
What if something goes wrong? / Who can I complain to?
If you have a complaint regarding anything to do with this study, you can initially approach the lead
investigator. If this achieves no satisfactory outcome, you should then contact the Administrator for the
Faculty Research Ethics Committee, Research & Commercial Office, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences,
1.25 Edith Murphy House, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH or
[e-mail]
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
All information which is collected about you during the course of the research will be kept on a
password protected database and is strictly confidential. You will be given an ID code which will be
used instead of your name. Any identifiable information you may give will be removed and anonymised.
Your data will be kept for at least 5 years from the completion of the study.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
Your data may be submitted in aggregate form (e.g., averaged together with other participants) for
publication or used in a report. You will not receive a copy of the findings.
Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been reviewed and approved by De Montfort University, Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
Contact for Further Information
Dr Anuenue Baker-Kukona
Division of Psychology
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH UK
email: [e-mail]
tel: [phone]
Thank your for taking part in the study.
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

CONSENT FORM
Title of Project: Understanding situational influences on exam performance
Name of Investigator: Dr Anuenue Baker-Kukona
Please initial all boxes if you agree
1
.
I confirm that I have read and understood the information sheet for the above study. I have
had the opportunity to consider the information, ask questions and have had these answered
satisfactorily.
2
.
I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time
without giving any reason.
3
.
I agree to take part in this study.
_________________________ ________________ _____________
Print name of participant Date Signature
_________________________ ________________ _____________
Print name of person taking consent Date Signature
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
x
x
x
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

DEBRIEF SHEET
Title of Project: Understanding situational influences on exam performance
Name of Investigator: Dr Anuenue Baker-Kukona
The aim of the current study was to understand how situational factors affect individuals’ exam
performance. In the current study, we manipulated subtle features of the environment in which you
took the exam. In one situation, the environment included a picture of eyes; prior research has shown
that such images can cause individuals to (e.g., unconsciously) change their behaviours. Here, we are
testing to see if these images also influence individuals’ behaviours in exam situations.
Contact for Further Information
Dr Anuenue Baker-Kukona
Division of Psychology
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH UK
email: [e-mail]
tel: [phone]
Further support
If the current study has raised any issues that you would like to talk to someone in confidence about,
you may wish to contact the following charity:
Samaritans (UK)
e-mail: [e-mail]
phone: [phone]
http://www.samaritans.org
Thank you for your time.
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

TEST A
Instructions: The following exam includes 50 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions. The
questions address the United Kingdom’s traditions, culture, events and people. You will have 15
minutes to complete as many questions as you can. Note: For every correct response you make you
will receive a bonus payment of £0.05.
1. Which stories are associated with Geoffrey Chaucer?
A. The Westbury Tales
B. The Ambridge Tales
C. The London Tales
D. The Canterbury Tales
2. What important event happened in 1066?
A. The Romans left England
B. The building of the Offa Dyke
C. The Norman invasion
D. The Battle of Bannockburn
3. What type of Government was formed after the General Election of 2010?
A. National
B. All-party
C. One-party
D. Coalition
4. The Union Flag comprises of four crosses, one for each part of the United Kingdom.
A. True
B. False
5. Emmeline Pankhurst is famous for leadership of the campaign to give women the vote in
parliamentary elections in the UK.
A. True
B. False
6. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. During the First World War Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister.
B. During the Second World War Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister.
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PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

TEST B
Instructions: The following exam includes 50 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions. The
questions address the United Kingdom’s traditions, culture, events and people. You will have 15
minutes to complete as many questions as you can. Note: For every correct response you make you
will receive a bonus payment of £0.05.
1. What is the name of the UK currency?
A. Dollar
B. Euro
C. Pound sterling
D. Yen
2. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Gilbert and Sullivan were a comedy double act.
B. Gilbert and Sullivan wrote many comic operas.
3. What is the name of a novel by Jane Austen?
A. Sense and Sensibility
B. Far from the Maddening Crowd
C. Oliver Twist
D. Our Man in Havana
4. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Halloween is a modern American festival that has recently become popular in the UK.
B. Halloween has its roots in an ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of winter.
5. The daffodil is the national flower of Wales.
A. True
B. False
6. What is the capital of the UK?
A. Westminster
B. Birmingham
C. Windsor
D. London
(Continued on the next page…) [Excerpted]
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY

BANNER: Flowers condition
BANNER: Eyes condition
PSYC1090
Introductory research methods in psychology
Assignment 1
Test of difference
FOR TEACHING
PURPOSES ONLY