Perry et al

• Relevant background!

  The perry et al. experiment is interested in investigating how people's personal space preferences are affected by a few different factors. One of these factors is the interpersonal distance which measure people's preferences for different social figures.
• Aim of the study


  To test the differential effect of the social hormone oxytocin on personal space preference in relation to a person's empathy ability.
• Research method


  Laboratory experiment
• Design of the experiment (s)

  Experiment 1 & 2

  Independent group design for the IV or empathy.

  Repeated measures design - all participants were in both levels of the second IV
• IV(s) in experiment 1


  Empathy, treatment and conditions
• How was the DV measured in experiment 1?


  The DV in experiment 1 was the preferred distance measured between behaviors, participants and approaching person one object
• Ultimate conclusion of the research (3)


  - people with low empathy respond to oxytocin with a preference for increased personal distance.

  - people with high empathy respond to OT with a preference for decreased personal distance

  - people need less distance between themselves and their close friends then with strangers
• Strengths and weaknesses of the experiments (2 each)

  Strengths

  
  

  The study has good internal validity

  
  

  The double blind procedure was highly standardized controlled

  
  

  Weaknesses

  
  

  The study lacks ecological validity

  
  

  Experiment 1 & 2 lack mundane realism
• Specific ethical issues. Use bullet points (4)


  Participants were deceived about the purpose of the task and experiment 2

  
  

  The deception and administration didn't cause harm

  
  

  They had informed consent

  
  

  They were debriefed
• Name and describe the technique used to administer the oxytocin or the placebo


  Double blind technique, neither the participant nor experimenter new whether the participant had received oxytocin or placebo
• Describe both the experimental condition of the exp. 2


  Experimental condition - preferred distance between chairs and angles

  
  

  Describe the control Condition of Exp. 2

  
  

  Control condition - preferred distance between table and plant
• Write down the 2 assumptions of the Social approach + psychology.


  Other people have enormously powerful effect on how we live our lives, we might experience this indifferent social roles such as student-children, work lives,etc.