In an investigation into workplace recycling behaviour, a researcher conducted a study in the offices of two local companies (Company X and Company Y). In stage one of the study, she recorded the recycling habits of employees over two weeks after they had watched an informational video. She recorded whether the waste disposed of in the common areas was correctly sorted into recycling bins or general waste bins.
All employees saw Video X, which explained the critical importance of sorting recyclables. The presenters in Video X were all prominent, highly recognizable environmental lifestyle influencers. After watching the video, and for the next two weeks, the researcher monitored the waste disposal habits of the employees.
All employees saw Video Y, which explained the critical importance of sorting recyclables. The presenters used in this video were unknown citizens who were matched by age and gender to the famous environmental influencers used in Video X. The script used for Video Y was exactly the same as the script used for Video X. After watching the video, and for the next two weeks, the same researcher monitored the waste disposal habits of the employees.
Question:
Explain why it was important that the presenters used in Video Y were matched by age and gender with those used in Video X.
689 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.