research paper

Job ID: 36294038

Budget: $10 – $30 USD

I want to collect a sample of 60 participants in middle school. From ages 10 to 13 and offer them assignments to complete. Half of the group consistency of 30 participants would be randomly allocated to a predictable reinforcement schedule, while the other 30 would be randomly assigned to a non-predictable reinforcement schedule. Overall, this study aims to investigate the effects of reinforcement schedules on the completion of tasks by middle school participants. By randomly assigning participants to different reinforcement schedules and measuring the completion of tasks, the study can provide insights into how reinforcement schedules can motivate students to complete tasks.

Independent variable: Reinforcement schedule (predictable vs. non-predictable)

In this study, the independent variable is the reinforcement schedule, which is either predictable or non-predictable. This variable is manipulated by randomly assigning half of the participants to a predictable reinforcement schedule and the other half to a non-predictable reinforcement schedule. Operational definition: The predictable reinforcement schedule will involve a consistent and predictable reward for completing an assignment, whereas the non-predictable reinforcement schedule will involve a randomly selected reward for completing a task.

Dependent variable: Completion of assignments

The dependent variable in this study is the completion of assignments by the participants. This variable is measured by counting the number of assignments completed by each participant in each group. Operational definition: The completion of tasks will be measured by the number of assignments completed by each participant.

Hypothesis: Participants assigned to the non-predictable reinforcement schedule will complete more tasks than those assigned to the predictable reinforcement schedule. This hypothesis is based on the idea that teenagers enjoy non-predictable reinforcement more than predictable reinforcement, which may motivate them to complete more tasks under a non-predictable reinforcement schedule.