Hamburg Abitur Psychology gA study materials
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Two study groups and an untested causal claim

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Two study groups and an untested causal claim

A fictional psychology class compares two revision groups. Students choose which group to join. Group A uses a newflashcard application in the morning with a teacher who gives frequent feedback. Group B uses printed not es in the afternoon with a different teacher. After a week, Group A has a higher average score on a class test. The report states that the application alone caused the difference and must therefore work better for every student. No baseline performance, random assignment, attendance pattern or comparable feedback record is provided. The task asks students to identify what the comparison shows and what remains uncertain. It does not ask for a realproduct recommendation or claim that using technology is inherently better or worse than printed material. All groups, materials andresults are invented for this methods exercise.

1. Explain why the application-only causal conclusion is not established.

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Self-selection, teacher, feedback andtime of day vary with the application condition, andbaseline differences are unknown. Theobserved groupdifference does not isolate the application as its cause or justify a universal conclusion.

2. Suggest a stronger bounded study and one ethical consideration.

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Use comparable tasks, measure relevant baseline factors and allocate conditions appropriately while controlling other changes where feasible. Define the outcome before analysis, protect participant information and ensure that participation and study procedures meet appropriate consent and risk requirements.