An investigation into the effect definite and indefinite articles have on memory Essay Example

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In the experiment, participants completed a 22 item questionnaire that included six "critical" questions. These questions were divided into two groups: one group asked if they saw a specific thing, while the other group asked if they saw the same thing. The use of "a" indicated an indefinite article, and "the" indicated a definite article. The results revealed that when the definite article was used, 15% of participants responded affirmatively; whereas with the indefinite article, only 7% answered negatively. Thus, this study illustrates how people's responses can be influenced by whether a question contains a definite or indefinite article. Moreover, employing a definite article could potentially lead participants to believe something is true and raises ethical concerns. This manipulation might be exploited within the legal system to coerce witnesses into falsely claiming they witnessed something.

The aim of this experiment is to examine the impact of using definite or indefinite articles on participants' responses to picture content. The alternative hypothesis suggests that using a definite article will result in different answers compared to using an indefinite article. It is expected that employing a definite article will evoke more positive responses from participants, while utilizing an indefinite article will be less likely to elicit positive responses. However, the null hypothesis states that there will be no difference in participants' answers when either a definite or indefinite article is used.

Design

The independent variable in this experiment was whether a definite or indefinite article was utilized. The specific definite article used was 'the', while the particular indefinite article employed was 'a'.

The number of participants who reported seeing something that wasn't there just because the question used a definite

article instead of an indefinite article served as the dependent variable. An extraneous variable refers to any factor that could influence the experiment's results. For this study, an extraneous variable could have been the presence of a window in the room, potentially distracting participants and hindering their full concentration on the experiment, thus adversely affecting the dependent variable. To mitigate this, the blinds and doors in the experimental room were closed to minimize distractions.
In terms of ethical considerations, informed consent was an issue addressed in this study. Informed consent involves obtaining participants' signatures as an indication of their willingness to participate in the experiment and their understanding of its procedures. The experiment's brief explained the study to participants and sought their consent through signature, making it more ethical by securing informed consent.

The study included students from King Edward VI sixth form in Morpeth, North East England who were over 16 years old. Participants were selected using a non-random opportunity sampling method based on their availability and willingness. This method was chosen for its convenience, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, resulting in the quick and easy selection of seven participants without the need for extensive preparation or lengthy procedures.

The experiment utilized 5 distinct pictures to query them using the previously mentioned indefinite and definite articles. By participating in this investigation, you are agreeing to be part of a study that examines how participants' responses are influenced by the use of definite or indefinite articles in a question. Your participation in this experiment is completely anonymous, and there will be no deception or harm involved. You have the right to withdraw from the experiment at any time, including

your results. Consent requires a signature, but your name will not be used to ensure anonymity. For the method, participants were individually seated at a table with only paper and pen.

Before the experiment, participants were provided with a briefing that explained what would occur. No deception was involved, so concerns did not need to be addressed. Participants indicated their consent by signing a paper. To minimize distractions, all room blinds were closed and computer screens were turned off. The participants then viewed five pictures consecutively, each displayed for five seconds.

Initially, the participants were presented with all the pictures. Then, they were shown the same pictures again to confirm their clear perception. Afterwards, the researcher asked five questions using a definite article and five questions using an indefinite article. The participants recorded their answers on paper, aiming to remember specific items from the picture collection. Debrief: Thank you for participating in this experiment. You can withdraw your results at any time.

Your signature will not be shared with any other party and your name will remain undisclosed. Feel free to ask any questions at the end.