Assignment task: Using the SODAS (Space, Order, Define, Apply, Synonyms) technique we discussed in our live meeting, type replies to the following question, which is modeled on the AP FRQ format. Please do not include any outline marks ("i", "ii", etc.) on your response.
Dr. Washburn investigates the effects of overcrowding on stress levels and health in laboratory rats. She purchases three identical cages designed for a single rat, and places her rats in one of the following three conditions: A) A single rat in a cage; B) Three rats in a cage; and C) Six rats in a cage. To determine stress, Dr. Washburn will measure the blood pressure of each rat, the length of time each rat spends in an exercise wheel, and any bites (self-inflicted or inflicted by other rats). At the conclusion of the study, the rats in condition A are generally healthy, with consistent blood pressures throughout the research, while rats in condition C showed progressively higher blood pressures, many more self-inflicted bites and spent more time exercising. Also, 60% of the rats in condition C died through the course of the research.
1. Identify the research method used by Dr. Washburn.
2. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this research.
3. Identify the primary operational definition used by Dr. Washburn.
4. Identify the control variable used by Dr. Washburn.
5. What are two potential confounding variables that could have impacted the research?
6. Briefly describe two ethical questions that this research raises, and provide changes to her method that Dr. Washburn could have used to correct each issue.