Mark conducts a study for his research methods class to determine if consuming caffeine causes people to perform better on cognitive tasks. In his study, he gives half of his participants a glass of water and half of his participants a glass of cola and then has them attempt to solve 15 math problems. He finds that people who drink caffeine beforehand solve more math problems than those who drink water beforehand.
Mark decides to conduct a conceptual replication. Which of the following could be in the study to make it this type of replication?
A)Measuring a different group of participants
B)Having participants drink a caffeinated energy drink rather than a caffeinated cola
C)Measuring the same participants 1 week later
D)Having participants complete 10 math problems instead of 15

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A conceptual replication involves manipulating some aspect of the original study while keeping the main hypothesis the same. In this case, changing the type of caffeinated drink would be an appropriate manipulation for a conceptual replication as it still tests the effect of caffeine on cognitive performance. Measuring a different group of participants or having participants complete a different number of math problems are not manipulations that stay true to the main hypothesis. Measuring the same participants 1 week later may also be a replication, but this is more of a direct replication as it involves repeating the same study with the same participants at a later time.

Mark Conducts a Study for His Research Methods Class to Determine