Paper details
Clearly identifying the independent and dependent variables in a study is a critical aspect of any research
project. The dissertation is no different. This assignment will allow you to practice your skills in identifying
research variables.
General Requirements:
Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:
In a fictitious study investigating the effects of humor on memory, Schmidt showed participants a list of
sentences, half of which were humorous and half were non-humorous. Schmidt found that participants
consistently recalled more of the humorous sentences than the non-humorous sentences, demonstrating that
the use of humor increased participants’ recall of sentences.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar
with the expectations for successful completion.
Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in
the Student Success Center.
This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at
least one in-text citation from each source be included.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is
located in Course Materials if you need assistance.
Directions:
In an essay (250-500 words), address the following items:
Identify the independent variable for this study.
Describe the scale of measurement used for the independent variable.
Describe the scale of measurement used for the dependent variable.
Provide an example of a simple study using Schmidt as a model. State the purpose of the research (Schmidt’s
purpose was to examine the effects of humor on memory), the research question (Schmidt’s research question
was: What are the effects of humor on memory?), the independent variable, and the dependent variable for
your study.