Baby Mariska is participating in a research study to determine whether she can detect the difference between two amounts: a circle containing two dots versus a circle with no dots inside. The researcher shows her the empty circle repeatedly until she looks away while it is on the screen. Then the researcher shows her the circle with two dots in it, and records how long Mariska stares at it. What research method is being used?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The research method being used is habituation. This is because the researcher is repeatedly presenting the empty circle to Mariska until she loses interest (habituates), and then presents the circle with two dots to see if Mariska shows renewed interest (dishabituation). This is a common method used in studies of infant perception and cognition.

Baby Mariska Is Participating in a Research Study to Determine