Key Studies For The IA

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Key Studies for the IA

 TRAVIS DIXON /  NOVEMBER 6, 2019 /
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The following list of studies and related theories can be a good starting
point for conducting your IA.
+15
Disclaimer: This list contains studies that have been conducted successfully
by students in the past. However, it’s the responsibility of teachers and
students to assess the suitability of specific studies for the internal
assessment. The most important thing when
choosing a study is to know how its results are
related to a theory or model.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

(https://youtu.be/HwQWRX7Njvg).
Important News: As of May 2021, “effects” are no

longer considered appropriate background theories or models. So Mozart
effect, Stroop effect, misinformation effect, etc., need to be explained by a
theory or model.
Read More
What none of us realized about the new IAs (https://www.themantic-

education.com/ibpsych/2019/08/27/what-none-of-us-realized-about-
the-new-ias/)
IA Tip: How to begin your report… (https://www.themantic-
education.com/ibpsych/2018/07/16/ia-tip-how-to-begin-your-report/)
IA: Final Submission Guidelines (https://www.themantic-
education.com/ibpsych/2018/02/27/ia-final-submission-guidelines/)
Don’t forget we have a special YouTube playlist

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=yLD01BECXFA&list=PL8QtAUy8cD-LJAaAtbUT_7CKO90nsgQX_)
for all of our videos on the IB Psych IA.
The Laundry Study

Study: The effects of prior knowledge on comprehension and memory
by Bransford and Johnson (1972) (Link
(https://msu.edu/~ema/802/Ch6-Memory/2/BransfordJohnson72.pdf))
Theory: Schema theory
Info: This classic study looked at how giving context and activating prior
knowledge can help us understand and remember new information. It is
a great study to use on the exams to support schema theory.
Tip: The originally studied comprehension and recall – you should
choose one DV for your replication.
(https://store.themantic-
education.com/collections/ib-
psychology/products/ib-
psychology-a-students-guide-
textbook)
You can find more

studies on pg. 352 of
our textbook. Chapter
7 has everything you
need in a lesson-by-
lesson approach for
the IA.
Smartphone Distractions and

Cognition
Studies:
Smartphone notifications
and working memory
(Aharony and Zion, 2019)
(Link
Can you study with your

smartphone? These studies are
more relevant than ever as >95%
of teenagers have smartphones.
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322671511_Effects_of_WhatsApp_
The mere presence of a smartphone and working memory (Ward et
al. 2017)(Link
(https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/691462))
Theory: Cognitive load theory (Sweller, 1988). This theory posits that
effective learning requires considering the relationship between the
cognitive demands of a learning task (its cognitive load) and our working
memory capacity.
Info: Aharony and Zion found that when people were getting
smartphone notifications their performance on working memory tests
was reduced. Ward et al. found a similar effect even when the phones
were turned off – merely having a smartphone in one’s presence
reduced working memory scores.
Tip:
Some studies have used a wordfind as a way to measure “cognitive
performance” when distracting with cellphones. If you find it difficult
to measure working memory capacity, this could be an option.
While it might be tempting to replicate studies on Nomophobia and
anxiety, remember that “Any experimental study that creates
anxiety, stress, pain or discomfort for participants is not permitted.”
(Guide, p70).
The Pen is Mightier than the Sword
Study: Handwriting vs. Typing by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014)(Link
(https://linguistics.ucla.edu/people/hayes/Teaching/papers/MuellerAndOppenheim
Theory: There are a number of relevant theories to apply here,
including:
The encoding hypothesis
The external storage hypothesis
The levels of processing model could (Read the full original summary
of the model here
(http://wixtedlab.ucsd.edu/publications/Psych%20218/Craik_Lockhart_1972.p
Disfluency theory
The theory of embodied cognition
Cognitive load theory (if laptops with notifications and open tabs
become a source of extraneous cognitive load)
Info: This study aimed to see which note taking method was more
effective for learning, long hand notes (pen and paper) or using a laptop.
Tip: In the original experiment they let participants choose how they
took notes. Do not do this for your IA as the student-researchers need to
be the ones manipulating the IV. For the theory, choose the one you
think best explains the results of the original study.
Mr Dixon’s Top Tip: Don’t do the Stroop effect – it is very difficult to

do properly, especially as it requires linking to an original theory.
However, IF your teacher approves then it is possible to do.
10 of the best studies to choose for the IB Psychology IA
Music and Cognition

Studies: The Mozart Effect by Rauscher et al. (1993) (Link
(https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED390733.pdf)), Liked vs. Disliked
music (Perham and Vizard, 2010)(Link
(https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-11009-015)). “Keep calm and
pump up the jams.” (Marti-Marca et al. 2020
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2059204320922737));
Music v No Music (Cokerton, Moore and Normal, 1997)(Link
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2466/pms.1997.85.3f.1435)).
Relevant theories (choose one):
The trion model
The mood-arousal hypothesis (read more here from this study “Keep
calm and pump up the Jams…”
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2059204320922737)
The working memory model (if studying lyrics vs. no lyrics)
Info: One study found that participants who listened to Mozart music
actually performed better on cognitive tasks (spatial reasoning tests)
than those who didn’t. However, it has failed to be successfully
replicated, which has sparked a debate over the existence of the Mozart
Effect. Mart-Marca et al. found that listening to music that increased
positive mood improved attention.
Tip: Whichever study you use, the most important thing is that you can
clearly link the aim and results to a background theory or model (or
hypothesis). “Effects” by themselves are not enough.
How good is your memory?

Study: The duration of short-term memory by Peterson and Peterson
(1959) (Link (http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?
doi=10.1.1.227.1807&rep=rep1&type=pdf))
Theory: Multi-store model of memory (Atkinson and Shiffrin)
Info: This study tested the duration of short-term memory by having
participants remember trigrams whilst counting backwards at varying
intervals. They found our short-term memory without rehearsal is about
20 seconds.
Tip: Simplify the original experiment to only two conditions to make it
easier for the inferential analysis.
(https://store.themantic-
education.com/)
Our teacher support

pack has everything you
need to get top marks in
the IA. Download a Free
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Google and Memory

Study: Google effects on Memory by Sparrow, Liu and Wegner (2011)
(Link
(https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/dwegner/files/sparrow_et_al._2011.pdf))
Theory: Transactive memory theory (Wegner, 1985).
Info: This study tested the effects of external storage systems of
information (e.g. google) on memory.
Tip: The original experiment had multiple conditions – you can simplify it
to two conditions (one IV) and one DV.
Loftus and Palmer used to be here. However, I have removed it

because I think there are better options available. One problem with
Loftus and Palmer is that it’s difficult to explain fully using schema
theory and reconstructive memory. It’s not impossible, but it’s much
more difficult than other options. Also, in order to best explain
reconstructive memory you need the second study (Loftus and Palmer
themselves admit this in their paper) about broken glass, but this only
gathers nominal data so it’s not ideal for the IA. In short, it’s possible to
do this study but I recommend others unless you really, really want to
do it. If so, read this blog on Tips for Loftus and Palmer
(https://www.themantic-education.com/ibpsych/2020/11/06/ia-tips-
for-loftus-and-palmer/).
TV and Working Memory

Study: The effects of TV on working memory (Lillard and Peterson,
2011) (Link
(https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/832f/7f420c0f9288f4d2509b9087840fb70522d
_ga=2.140986674.1624498037.1585529282-
1357867128.1582503521))
Theory: The working memory model
Info: This study looked at how different types of TV (SpongeBob vs.
Caillou) would affect working memory capacity.
Tip: Be sure to think carefully about what this study is saying about
working memory.
Fake it til’ you make it

Study: Facial expressions and mood by Kleinke et al. (1998) (Link
(https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d771/f6d8191638ec3f7695b8130af68b5a3714
Theory: The Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Info: This study aimed to see if physically mimicking a smile (without any
emotion of happiness) can increase someone’s mood. Smiles are forced
by holding a pen between the teeth.
Tip: One tricky thing with this study is if you use the PANAS scale. You
can simplify this measurement to have a change in mood and focus only
one positive or negative moods.
Remember that actually in the new IB Psych curriculum (first exams

May 2019) the theory is actually more important than the study. In
fact, you could even conduct the IA successfully without replicating a
study but by designing your own experiment that tests a theory.
However, it is strongly advised that you replicate an original study,
simplify it (if necessary) to two conditions and make sure you
understand how the study relates to a theory or model.
Heuristics and Biases (e.g.
Anchoring Effect)
Study: Anchoring bias and guessing Gandhi’s age by Kahneman and
Tversky (Link to summary (https://www.themantic-
education.com/ibpsych/2020/03/10/key-study-ghandi-and-the-
anchoring-effect/))(Link to original
(https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3e3c/56c4881c46149f6d64dedd8f7a30c48ca38
could also use ascending/descending maths problem (1x2x-…x8) or
(8x7x6….x1).
Theory: The dual processing model of thinking and decision making
Info: This study aimed to see if we can manipulate people’s thinking by
using the anchoring effect. This is when you give someone a random
number and it can influence their guess about the value of an unrelated
item.
Tip: It’s best to try to use the dual processing model of thinking and
decision making as the background theory or model to explain the
phenomenon of the anchoring effect. Previously “effects” such as
anchoring effect, Mozart effect or the misinformation effect have been
acceptable as background theories to the studies replicated for the IA.
However, as of May 2021 they are no longer accepted.
The following were added in February 2021
Fortune Favours the Bold – Font

and Memory
Study: The effects of difficult to read fonts on memory (Diemand-
Yauman et al. 2011)(Abstract
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21040910/))(You can also read a
summary here (https://www.psychologyinaction.org/psychology-in-
action-1/2011/04/21/whats-in-a-font) – note that they say 2010 but it’s
the same study).
Theories:
Disfluency theory
Levels of processing model (Read the full original summary of the
model here
(http://wixtedlab.ucsd.edu/publications/Psych%20218/Craik_Lockhart_1972.p
Info: In their second experiment, the researchers actually conducted
their study on high school students in Ohio, USA. They changed
PowerPoint slides and worksheets used by teachers to be in difficult to
read fonts (e.g. Haettenschweiler, monotype corsiva or comic sans
italicized). The control condition used the regular fonts selected by the
teacher. Students in the disfluent condition scored higher in class
assessments than in the control conditions.
Tips: Be careful with how you link the study to the model. The fonts do
not affect semantic processing, but they do require deeper processing in
an alternative way. The fonts are “desirable difficulties” – what
psychologists call anything that adds cognitive difficulties to learning
tasks to improve learning.
And the award for the best journal article title goes to…
Weapon Focus
Study: Weapon focus and memory reliability (Loftus, Loftus and Messo,
1987 Full Article
(https://faculty.washington.edu/gloftus/Downloads/LoftusLoftusMessoWF.pdf)).
Theory: Theoretical explanations include the “unusual item hypothesis”
(read more
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3859504/)),
Easterbrook’s (1959) cue-utilisation hypothesis or the “automatic
capture of attention” hypothesis (Read more about both these
hypothesis in Pickel et al.’s 2006 study
(http://faculty.washington.edu/sjross2/documents/PickelRoss&06%20-
%20do%20weapons%20automatically%20capture%20attention.pdf)).
(Edit: The “weapon focus” is not a theory or model, so you need a theory
to explain the effect).
Info: People have reduced memory of a scene when a weapon is present
because their attention is focused on the weapon. Loftus et al. tested
this by showing participants a slide show of a robbery where the robber
shows the cashier a gun in one condition, or a check in another.
Tips: The weapon can be manipulated in a photo using photoshop. Avoid
using images that are gruesome or violent for ethical reasons.
Colour and Cognition

Studies:
The effects of colour on cognition (Rehta and Zhu, 2009)(Original
abstract
(https://science.sciencemag.org/content/323/5918/1226.abstract)).
There’s a good summary of this study in this NY Times article
(https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/science/06color.html).
Theory: Elliot and Maier’s (2012) color in context theory (Read more
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123942869000020))
and/or Goldstein’s (1942) colour theory (Read more
(https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Citation/1942/06000/SOME_EXPERIMENTAL_O
The researchers hypothesized that “…different associations related to
red versus blue color can induce alternative motivations. Specifically,
red, because of its association with dangers and mistakes, should
activate an avoidance motivation, which has been shown to make people
more vigilant and risk averse.” This is why they will make fewer mistakes
on a task like a memory test.
Info: In Rehta and Zhu’s second study, “A set of participants completed
the detailed-oriented task (i.e., a memory exercise) presented on
computers with red, blue, or neutral background color. They studied a
list of 36 words for 2 min and were asked to recall as many words as they
could after a 20-min delay.” The results showed that those in the red
condition remembered more.
Tips: If you’re doing the above study, simplify it to two conditions.
Remember you don’t have to replicate an existing study. You could read
about theories of colour’s influence on memory and design your own
experiment to these theories (however, this is not for the faint hearted
as it’s much, much easier to replicate a study). This review of studies on
colour and memory
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743993/) also has
some good studies you could choose to replicate. Other studies have
also tested the effects of colour on memory. E.g. McConnohie found
that slide background colours affect memory (see this study and others
in this review
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743993/).) or that
room colour can affect SAT scores (Read more
(https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1986-16042-001)).
Colour and Stress

Study: The effects of shown the effects of colour on reducing stress
(Saito and Tada, 2007)(Abstract
(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229865931_Effects_of_color_images_o
Theory: Elliot and Maier’s (2012) color in context theory (Read more
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123942869000020))
and/or Goldstein’s (1942) colour theory (Read more
(https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Citation/1942/06000/SOME_EXPERIMENTAL_O
This article (https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1172&context=jur) (a student’s thesis) explains how Goldstein’s
theory and studies showed that red has a stimulating effect on human
behaviour so it might increase stress levels.
Info: In this study, “…color photographs of natural scenery were shown
to an experimental group (n = 10), while the same images in black and
white were shown to a control group (n = 10).” Stress was measured by
taking cortisol and the colour images reduced stress whereas black and
white increased stress.
Tips: You can use an adapted version of the Perceived Stress Scale
(https://www.mindgarden.com/documents/PerceivedStressScale.pdf) to
measure the DV, rather than collecting cortisol samples. Based on the
theories above, it could be useful to manipulate red instead of black and
white and compare with natural colours to test the effects on stress.
The Effort Heuristic

Study: The effects of perceived effort on the rating of quality (Kruger et
al. 2010)(Download here (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?
abstract_id=1532566).)
Theory: Kahnemann’s dual process theory is a good theory to explain
this effect (Read more on Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_process_theory)).
Info: In this study, “Participants read and evaluated the poem ‘‘Order’’ by
contemporary poet Michael Van Walleghen. Half were told that it took
Van Walleghen 4 h to compose the poem (low-effort condition), and half
were told that it took 18 h (high-effort condition).” The participants were
then asked “…how much they liked the poem on a scale from 1 (hate it)
to 6 (it’s OK) to 11 (love it).” They then “…assessed the ‘‘overall quality’’
of the poem on a scale from 1 (terrible) to 6 (OK) to 11 (excellent)”
before they were finally asked to indicate “how much money the poem
would be likely to fetch (in US dollars) if sold to a poetry magazine?”
Those in the high effort condition rated the poem higher than the low
effort condition.
Tips: The original experiment had three conditions – the poetry
experiment (#1) is probably the easiest to conduct. Simplify it to one
dependent variable. If you come up with a good reason for your choice,
explain it in your materials.
Me, Myself and Memory
Study: The influence of self-reference on memory (Rogers, Kuiper and
Kirker, 1977)(Full Study
(https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1bff/3ea36308a106de9e04b54e83bd1de3e248
fbclid=IwAR053185ewysnlw-
CPj_0oFJWBdk7_DI2zxVZ6HhrwwPRIDixCK8RNdZXEw))
Theory: This has been named “the self-reference effect” (see this review
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3226761/) for more
information). Levels of processing theory (Read the full original
summary of the model here
(http://wixtedlab.ucsd.edu/publications/Psych%20218/Craik_Lockhart_1972.pdf))
schema theory is potential theoretical explanation for the self-reference
effect (Read more on Wikipedia) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-
referential_encoding)
Info: Participants “…rated 40 adjectives on one of four tasks. This
involved presenting a cue question, followed by 1 of the 40 adjectives.
Subjects answered yes or no to the cue question as it applied to the
adjective.” (See Table 1 below from the original study for the four
conditions). They were then given a blank piece of paper and 3 minutes
to write down as many as they could remember. The results showed the
self-referencing condition had the best recall.
Tips: Below is an image that gives some information about how they
manipulated self-referencing with a simple yes or no question in relation
to 40 adjectives. Choose two of the conditions below to compare – self-
reference and one other so you have a clear IV.
Articulatory Suppression
Study: The effects of reciting words out loud on recall (Landry and
Bartling, 2011)(Abstract (https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-
Phonological-Loop-and-Articulatory-Suppression-Landry-
Bartling/aa9630030ee1bcdc7e12bdb987fd00b9214019d3))(Full Study
(https://www.mcneese.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AJPR-11-07-
Landry-5-09.pdf))
Theory: The working memory model (Baddeley and Hitch). This article
(https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13421-017-0754-8) gives a
good explanation of articulatory suppression and working memory.
Info: When participants are trying to remember a list of words
presented visually on a screen, they’ll perform worse when having to be
saying irrelevant things at the same time. This is called “articulatory
suppression (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articulatory_suppression).”
(You can read about some more possible experimental procedures to
use in this article, too).
Tips: When linking this study to the model, be sure to focus specifically
on the role of the phonological loop and how articulatory suppression
affects it. I’ve searched high and low for the full study but I can’t find it.
I’d be appreciative if anyone finds it and could send it to me.
First Impressions
Study: forming impressions of someone’s personality (Asch, 1946).
(Download Full Study (https://www.romolocapuano.com/wp-
content/uploads/2013/08/Asch-Forming-Impressions-Of-
Personality.pdf))
Theory: Edit: I previously stated that “the primacy of warmth effect”
was a possible theory to use. (Read more
(https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1027/1864-
9335/a000179#:~:text=From%20this%20study%2C%20Asch%20concluded,warm
However, effects are no longer accepted as “theories or models” for the
IA so you’ll need a specific theory to explain this effect.
Info: “In the classic warm-cold study (Study I), participants were either
exposed to a trait-list containing warm or to a trait-list containing cold,
keeping all other traits identical between groups. Participants then
wrote down their impression of the target person (open-ended
measure), selected which traits from a trait-pair list were most
applicable to the target (trait-pair choice measure), and ranked the
original traits according to importance for their impression (ranking
measure).” Those with “warm” in the list rated the person more
favourably than those with “cold” in the list. (Read more
(https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1027/1864-
9335/a000179#:~:text=From%20this%20study%2C%20Asch%20concluded,warm
Tips: To test the primacy of warmth effect, make sure “warm” or “cold” is
at the top of the list of adjectives.
Visual Noise and Memory

Study: The effects of visual noise on memory
(Quinn and McConnell, 1996)(Abstract
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/713755613))
Theory: The working memory model
Info: When participants are trying to use visual mnemonics to
remember words, watching visual static interferes with memory recall
more so than if they are using simple rote learning memorization
techniques (e.g. repeating the word over and over). The results suggest
that “…the VSSP (visuospatial sketchpad) is specifically susceptible to
irrelevant dynamic visual noise. This irrelevant task has no significant
effect on rote learning tasks, which presumably are handled in the
phonological loop.”
Tips: The full original article can be difficult to find online, which is
something to bear in mind if you want to read more about the study. You
can use “static noise” clips on Youtube for the interference (example
(https://youtu.be/ubFq-wV3Eic)).
Word Length Effect

Study: The effects of word length of memory (Baddeley, Thomson and
Buchanan, 1975)(Full article
(https://labs.la.utexas.edu/gilden/files/2016/03/1-s2.0-
S0022537175800454-main.pdf))
Info: This study found that participants could remember monosyllabic
words better than polysyllabic words (E.g. those with eight syllables).
This is in stark contrast to Miller’s hypothesis that “…the capacity of
short-term memory is constant when measured in terms of number of
chunks, a chunk being a subjectively meaningful unit.” This study
challenges this hypothesis.
Theory: Miller’s hypothesis and/or the multi-store model of memory
(capacity of the short-term store).
Tips: Be warned – this study is more complicated than it looks because
the link between the hypothesis and the study can be difficult to
comprehend. It’s also different in that it’s challenging a background
theory, whereas most studies for the IA are supporting one.
Here…hold my coffee
Study: Does holding a warm cup of coffee increased mood? (Williams
and Barge, 2008 (Full article
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737341/)).
Theory: Bowlby’s attachment theory (Read more
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_theory)). The original study
cites Bowlby’s theory as one explanation for the results – because of
early life experiences with a trustworthy parent or caregiver “…a close
mental association should develop between the concepts of physical
warmth and psychological warmth.” This idea is supported by
neurobiological studies of attachment that have “…added further
support for the proposed link between tactile temperature sensation
and feelings of psychological warmth and trust.” ((Williams and Barge,
2008 (Full article
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2737341/)).
Tips: This is a difficult study to conduct because it’s time consuming –
each participant has to be studied individually and it requires many
practical considerations (that’s a lot of cups of coffee to make!).
Exercise and Memory

Study: Effects of exercise on memory (Labuan and Etneir, 2011)(Full
article (https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/J_Etnier_Effects_Long-
term_2011.pdf))
Theory: The Yerkes-Dodson Law (an inverted U hypothesis of arousal
and performance)(Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerkes%E2%80%93Dodson_law)).
An alternative is the reticular-activating hypofrontality theory, but
my understanding of this complex theory is that it explains implicit
memory, not explicit memory (Read more
(https://edwp.educ.msu.edu/wp-
content/uploads/sites/29/2020/06/Dietrich_2011_TheReticularactivatingHypo
Tips: This is not a good study to conduct online and it is time consuming
and involves many practical difficulties. It would require highly
motivated participants who were willing to give up a lot of time and
effort.
(Dis?)Honourable Mentions: Be VERY careful before doing these.
Glanzer and Cunitz: Read more about this study for the IA here
(https://www.themantic-education.com/ibpsych/2020/11/03/ia-
tips-for-glanzer-and-cunitz-studies/) or watch the video here
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXyaKtRqTQ&t=2s).
Loftus and Palmer: Read more here (https://www.themantic-
education.com/ibpsych/2020/11/06/ia-tips-for-loftus-and-
palmer/) or watch here (https://youtu.be/oNMFU-PHgSY).
Got a suggestion? Pop it in the comments. This list will be continually

updated.
Travis Dixon (https://www.themantic-

education.com/ibpsych/author/tdixon/)
Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader,
examiner and IA moderator.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT (IB) (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-EDUCATION.COM/IBPSYCH/CATEGORY/INTERNAL-ASSESSMENT-

IB/)
Comments
39
Anonymous
NOVEMBER 7, 2019 AT 6:09 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
EDUCATION.COM/IBPSYCH/2019/11/06/KEY-STUDIES-FOR-THE-IA/#COMMENT-6674)
Hi Travis,
This is list is a proper treasure, thank you so much!
Would it be possible to add the Glanzer and Cunitz study too?
Thanks in advance!
+5
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
I’m hesitant to add Glanzer and Cunitz to this list because while it can be done and
done well, it can also cause some headaches (because it has to be modified in order to
be a simple experiment suitable for the IA). There are a few pitfalls students may fall
into.
So instead of adding it here, I’ve just added a section to the bottom of the following
post on G&Gs study that explains some tips if kids are doing this for their IA. Hope
this helps
https://www.themantic-education.com/ibpsych/2018/11/18/key-study-multi-store-
model-the-primacy-and-recency-effects/ (https://www.themantic-
education.com/ibpsych/2018/11/18/key-study-multi-store-model-the-primacy-and-
recency-effects/)
Travis.
+3
Reply 
Percy
DECEMBER 29, 2019 AT 12:14 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your sharing.
Would it be possible to replicate the framing effect study by Tversky and Kanneman?
Thank you!
+2
Reply 
Travis Dixon
JANUARY 3, 2020 AT 5:42 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
I believe so, but would depend on the specific study and its methodology.
Reply 
Travis Dixon
JANUARY 17, 2020 AT 4:27 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
Yes, which one in particular?
Reply 
Anonimus
FEBRUARY 29, 2020 AT 11:48 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Travis,
What about the Peterson & Peterson study (1959) on duration of short term
memory?
Thank you!
+1
Reply 
Travis Dixon
MARCH 2, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
Look at #2.
+1
Reply 
Marie-Catherine Letendre
My students have replicated Allan Paivo “Associative learning/Memory”–concrete

and abstract words
and Tversky & Kahneman “Judgment under uncertainty”– the one on Fame . Students
located the studies on Google scholar and after reading them, they presented their
plan to the class. Togehter we worked out the IV and DV. We have received a score of
7.
Another popular study is Solomon Asch “Forming Impressions” (experiment two)
Very grateful for your suggestions!
Reply 
Anoushka
Is Craik and Tulving a good study to replicate?

0
Reply 
Travis Dixon
MARCH 27, 2020 AT 9:44 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
It can be done. It has been recommended by some examiners to make sure that you
have two separate slideshows for the types of questions (e.g. don’t mix up the two
conditions in the one slideshow).
+1
Reply 
Anonymous
APRIL 22, 2020 AT 12:04 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Would it be possible to replicate the The “False Consensus Effect” study by Lee Ross,
David Greene, and Pamela House (1977)? As it can be done using surveys now at a
time where gathering an experimental group wouldn’t be possible.
Reply 
Travis Dixon
MAY 4, 2020 AT 2:00 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
What is the independent variable being manipulated? I gave this study a quick skim
read and I couldn’t see a manipulated IV.
http://www.bulidomics.com/w/images/d/d8/4705-Ross-et-al-False-Consensus-
Effect.pdf (http://www.bulidomics.com/w/images/d/d8/4705-Ross-et-al-False-
Consensus-Effect.pdf)
0
Reply 
Anonymous
JUNE 22, 2020 AT 8:24 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Sir ,
Is Strack and Mussweiler a good study to use ?
Reply 
Travis Dixon
JUNE 22, 2020 AT 3:54 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
post
author
Yes – see above.
+1
Reply 
Anonymous
Thank you so much!
Reply 
Anonymous
AUGUST 19, 2020 AT 5:17 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hey Travis,
Do you think that replicating Solomon Asch “Forming impression” would be suitable
for the IA? and which theory is that based on?
Reply 
Travis.
AUGUST 20, 2020 AT 10:21 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Possibly, but it might be tricky. In the original article (1946) there are 10 studies, so
you’d have to choose one of these to focus on. You’d have to make sure the one you
choose has a clearly manipulated IV and simplify that to two conditions. Asch also
used a number of different measures of the dependent variable, some qualitative
(free response) and some quantitative (likert scale). You’d need to choose the right
one. And, the most important thing with the IA is that it’s clearly based on a “theory”
and the results of the study can be explained using this theory. You could focus on the
“primacy of warmth effect,” and choose the right study of the ten to focus on to test
this effect. So…it could be done, yes, but be wary of the above pitfalls.
Reply 
megan
hi Travis, could schema theory be used to explain the first impressions study?
0
Reply 
Paul Wright
SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 AT 9:22 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
A good app to use is Psych Lab 101,
There are many studies with the underlying theory explained as well as references,
some are interactive. Certainly, worth students downloading the app on their phones
to have a look through some of the studies and from there they can write a proposal
for approval.
Topics:
Attention and Perception
Learning and Memory
Language
Visual Illusions
Links:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neurobs.psychlab101&hl=en
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.neurobs.psychlab101&hl=en)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/psych-lab-101/id1014084546?ls=1
(https://apps.apple.com/us/app/psych-lab-101/id1014084546?ls=1)
Another link:
https://www.neurobs.com/menu_presentation/menu_teaching/pack_list
(https://www.neurobs.com/menu_presentation/menu_teaching/pack_list)
+1
Reply 
Silvia
What about Cohen et al waitress/librarian study?

0
Reply 
Anonymous
Cohen et al. for Waitress/Librarian is OK.
+1
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
Yes, Cohen et al. is fine to do (provided it is linked to a theory).
+1
Reply 
Monali Sharma
Dear Travis,
As per the new syllabus, we don’t have to describe the original study in the
introduction or compare results with it. That is correct, right? Also, the results need
to be described with respect to the theory only in the evaluation and not the study.
0
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
You don’t NEED to compare with the original study, but I still recommend doing it.
But most importantly focus on the theory.
Reply 
Rani
JANUARY 15, 2021 AT 12:06 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
I noticed that Anderson and Pichert isn’t included. Is there a particular reason why?
Thank you!
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
Anderson and Pichert is possible, but many students make too many mistakes and
don’t clearly know what the IV is in the study. The original has multiple conditions so I
haven’t included it in this list….yet. I might change my mind if I see enough students
doing it successfully this year for the IA.
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
It can be done, but students tend to get very confused by this study and its multiple
conditions. I have examined more IAs that fail to do this study properly than those
that do it successfully, hence its exclusion. That’s not to say it can’t be done.
Reply 
Lily
Hello Travis,
Can I ask, do you have other tips for someone doing Anderson and Pichert?
Many thanks!
Reply 
Lily
Hello Travis,
Can I ask, do you have any other useful tips for someone doing Anderson and Pichert?
Many thanks!
0
Reply 
rick Ashley (http://-)

can we include the invisible gorilla (Selective attention test)?
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
It’s not advisable – there’s no clear independent variable to manipulate in that study.
Reply 
Lily (http://n/a)
Hello Travis,
Can I ask, do you have any other useful tips for someone doing Anderson and Pichert?
Many thanks!
Reply 
Travis Dixon
post
author
Stick to one schema and make sure you have two clear conditions and only one
dependent variable. This means changing it to something more like what Bransford
and Johnson did – give a title or not and see if it affects memory.
+2
Reply 
Taha
JULY 15, 2021 AT 7:18 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Can I use Darley & Gross for my IA? How can I find a replication of the study?
Reply 
Anne-Sofie Dalby Møller Pedersen

AUGUST 20, 2021 AT 2:51 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Travis,
Regarding what you write about the effects: Is it okay for students to replicate stroop
if they explain the interference using the speed of processessing theory or the
automacity model?
Thank you in advance!
+1
Reply 
Nykita R.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 AT 12:49 AM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hello Travis,
Would it be possible to use Weinstein (1980) for my IA, and relate it to dual
processing theory?
Thank you!
Reply 
Tessa
JUNE 10, 2022 AT 4:55 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Travis,
what sort of working memory task should I use for the Ward et al.(2017) study, when
recreating this experiment for an IA?
Thank you!
Tereza
Reply 
Madge Zemp
AUGUST 25, 2022 AT 11:25 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Travis,
This is an awesome list.
Thanks so much.
0
Reply 
Kanika
DECEMBER 10, 2022 AT 1:54 PM (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-
Hi Travis,
Can I request some guidance on the “Keep calm and pump up the jams.” (Marti-Marca
et al. 2020) study for IA? My students are really keen on this. and I just want to make
sure I am giving them the correct guidance.
They are doing a pre-test task- play song clippings for participants and ask them to
rate the song as having negative and Positive mood on a 5-point rating scale – based
on which they will select one song for positive mood and one for negative.
For the experimental task – Using a repeated measures design, the participants will
complete a cognitive visual task under both conditions (positive and Negative), where
the reaction time will be measured for both conditions.
Is this okay? Would they also need a control condition – with no music?
Would really appreciate your guidance on this.
Thank you!
Reply 
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Mr Dixon’s Top Tip: Don’t do the Stroop effect – it is very difficult to

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Got a suggestion? Pop it in the comments. This list will be continually

Travis Dixon (https://www.themantic-

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT (IB) (HTTPS://WWW.THEMANTIC-EDUCATION.COM/IBPSYCH/CATEGORY/INTERNAL-ASSESSMENT-

This is list is a proper treasure, thank you so much!

Would it be possible to add the Glanzer and Cunitz study too?

Thanks for your sharing.

Yes, which one in particular?

My students have replicated Allan Paivo “Associative learning/Memory”–concrete

Very grateful for your suggestions!

Is Craik and Tulving a good study to replicate?

Is Strack and Mussweiler a good study to use ?

Yes – see above.

Thank you so much!

A good app to use is Psych Lab 101,

What about Cohen et al waitress/librarian study?

Cohen et al. for Waitress/Librarian is OK.

Yes, Cohen et al. is fine to do (provided it is linked to a theory).

rick Ashley (http://-)

can we include the invisible gorilla (Selective attention test)?

Anne-Sofie Dalby Møller Pedersen

Thank you in advance!

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