RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
M3: Lesson 9 – Discussion on sense of smell
- Create an original posting with a minimum of 250-300 words.
- Back up your arguments with reliable evidence.
Scenarios:A researcher wonders how well the sense of smell functions during sleep. In general, we know that our sensory systems operate at a higher threshold during sleep. That is, a more intense stimulus is required to elicit a response during sleep than during wakefulness. Furthermore, we are less responsive during some stages of sleep than during others. Experiments using sounds suggest that we are less responsive during stages 3 and 4 sleep (deep sleep) than during stages 1, 2, or REM sleep (lighter sleep). Thus, the 4 – 16 researcher predicts that research participants will be less responsive to odors during stages 3 and 4 sleep than during the other stages of sleep. The researcher devises a system for delivering odors while college students sleep in the laboratory. Peppermint fragrance is delivered at specific times through a modified oxygen mask that the students wear while they sleep. Electrodes are attached to each student’s scalp, face, and chin to determine sleep staging. Electrodes are also attached to each student’s chest to record heart rate. A change in heart rate following presentation of the odor is used to indicate that the participant detected the odor. Instructions:
- Read the scenario above and answer the following questions:
Answer preview
According to Swain (2005), a research hypothesis is a predictive statement on the outcome of a study. In this study scenario, the hypothesis is low participants responsive to the smell during deep sleep (stage 3) and (stage 4) than in lighter sleep. Independent variables are factors whose change behavior is not influenced by other variables. The independent variable, in this case, is the stage of sleep. Denoting independent variables as…
(350 words)