MIT 245G Research Report

Due:         April 7th
Weight:    15%

Research Report:

For this assignment, you will read one of the 4 articles listed below, and on reserve in Weldon Library.  In 3-5 pages, discuss the article.  Consider the following:

1)    What was the background thinking that lead to the study?  That is, what lead the researchers to ask the question?

2)    What was the purpose of the study?  What did the researchers hope to learn?

3)    Who (or in some cases, what) were the 'subjects' of the study?  That is, who/what was observed, or on whom/what were measurements performed?

4)    What data were collected, and how?  Were the methods appropriate?

5)    What conclusions did the authors draw on the basis of their results?

6)    Are these conclusions justified?  What questions do you have?  Consider subjects, methods, analysis, and interpretation.  In this section, you should also think about what you learned from the article.

Articles:

Cartwright, R.D. (1974).  The influence of a conscious wish on dreams.  Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 83, 387-393.

Eron, L.D. (1963).  Relationship of TV viewing habits and aggressive behaviour in children.  Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67, 193-196.

Loftus, E.F. (1975).  Leading questions and the eyewitness report.   Cognitive Psychology, 7, 560-572.

Rotter, J.B. (1966).  Generalized expectancies for internal vs. external control of reinforcement.  Psychological Monographs, 80, 1-28.