In a study investigating recycling habits, a researcher conducted an investigation in the student lounges of two college campuses (Campus X and Campus Y). In the study, she monitored the waste disposal choices of students in the common areas after a new environmental campaign was launched. She recorded whether the items discarded by the students were correctly sorted into the recycling bins or incorrectly thrown into the general waste bin. Correctly sorted items included clean plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper. Incorrectly sorted items included food waste and soiled food packaging.
All students were exposed to Campaign Poster A on the noticeboards, which urged students to recycle. The figures featured on the posters were prominent, highly visible student representatives and popular campus athletes. For the next week, the researcher observed the students' waste disposal behavior and recorded whether their disposals were correctly sorted or not.
All students were exposed to Campaign Poster B on the noticeboards, which urged students to recycle. The figures featured on the posters were generic, nameless silhouettes matched in layout to the individuals in Campaign Poster A. The slogan and color design of Campaign Poster B were entirely identical to Campaign Poster A. For the next week, the researcher observed the students' waste disposal behavior and recorded whether their disposals were correctly sorted or not.
Identify the dependent variable in this investigation.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 689 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
