Liana is writing a grant proposal for her next study, wherein she wants to investigate the conditions under which a numerical minority in a group context can alter the visual perception of majority group members. Specifically, the treatments involved groups of seven people who were shown the color blue on a screen and asked to report what color they saw. In condition A, one person (a confederate) claims to see green; in condition B, two confederates claim to see green; in condition C, three people claim to see green; and condition D functioned as a control group, with no confederates. Liana finds that the size of a numerical minority influences the effect it has on the majority. This research best reflects what type of research?
A) applied research
B) field research
C) basic research
D) quasi-experimental research

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This research is best categorized as basic research because Liana is investigating a fundamental question about social perception and group dynamics. The study is designed to test a hypothesis and gather data to support or refute it, rather than focusing on practical applications or interventions (as would be the case with applied research). The study does not involve manipulating independent variables in a controlled setting, and there is not a clear comparison group (which would be required for quasi-experimental research). While the study involves observing behavior in a naturalistic setting (looking at how people report colors), it is not conducted in a non-laboratory setting or in the field (as would be the case in field research).

Liana Is Writing a Grant Proposal for Her Next Study