Perception - Summer 2000
Faith L. Florer, Ph.D.
Proposals
During the semester, the CD, Exploring Perception, by Colin Ryan will be held on reserve in the library. The CD demonstrates a number of perceptual phenomena. For four phenomena of your choice, design, an experiment. Then write it up in as a proposal.
The purpose of these exercises is not to require you to generate original experiments. Instead, the proposal should demonstrate to me that you understand a concept from the CD (or book), and that you can relate that concept to original, peer reviewed research, and that you understand the general method that perceptual scientists might use.
For example, there are modules on motion perception. A proposal might want to examine the parameters that affect the appearance of motion. You may have some well formed hypothesis about how a variable such as the proximity of two flashing dots and the rate at which they flash will affect the perception of motion. Your proposal should contain that hypothesis, your reason for forming that hypothesis, whether your hypothesis was borne out, and how your expected results and experiment relate to at least two peer reviewed journal articles. Specifically, each report should contain the following.
Title
Your report should include the name of the experiment, the names of the lab partners, the date, and the topic.
Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of the whole report in one precise, concise paragraph (about 100 words). In the abstract, include the research problem, the method, the expected results, and major conclusions. It is usually easiest to write this after the rest of the report is finished.
Introduction
The introduction acquaints the reader with the experiment, its context and significance. The introduction includes background theory and previous research. Terms are defined. State the hypothesis you are testing, the variables you are studying, the results you expect, and why you expect these results. (about 1-2 pages)
Experimental Method and Procedure
This section describes your experiment in a narrative-like form. It should completely, accurately, and precisely, list all the steps in the experiment. It includes the subjects, apparatus, and procedure. There should be enough information here to allow someone to replicate your experiment. (about 1-2 pages)
Expected Results
This section describes your expected results. Refer to your predictions from your introduction statement. Summarize the quantitative information. Include graphs and tables. Do not interpret your results here. (about 1-2 pages)
Discussion
In this section, explain and interpret your expected results. What would your results imply? What would it mean if they were pr were mpt consistent with your predictions? Be sure to include any potential problems you may encounter, and make comments for how you could improve them, including in future experiments.
References
Use APA style references. Your report should contain a minimum of two references. For every additional lab partner, an additional reference should be included. For example, if two people are working together, the report should contain three references, for three people, four reference, for four people five, etc.