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Question 23

Soundscapes and Concentration

Auditory environments in workspaces can significantly influence cognitive performance and focus. Some researchers suggest that natural soundscapes can enhance focus, while artificial, urban noises are detrimental to cognitive tasks. Psychologists want to study this using the laboratory experimental method to investigate the effect of 'natural birdsong' compared to 'urban traffic noise' on a person's proofreading accuracy.

Explain how you would conduct a study using the laboratory experimental method to investigate if the type of background soundscape affects proofreading accuracy. Justify your decisions as part of your explanation. You must refer to:

  • the sampling technique to obtain participants for the study
  • which experimental design you would use in this study
  • how you would operationalise the dependent variable to obtain quantitative data
  • the control of one extraneous variable

You should use your own experience of practical activities to inform your response.

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Practical activities Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Practical activities