This is a protocol for a study that I conducted in Spring 2000. I write every detail out so that I am sure to have standardized procedures across all research sessions. I also like to create a checklist so that I know I have everything before I head to the session. I bring the protocol and read off it at each session. You should create a protocol for your study (Note Ss = subjects).

Protocol for Attention & Insight (SP2000)

Researcher Checklist

1. key for PL235
2. Slides
3. Slide projector/screen
4. CD
5. CD Player
6. Stopwatch
7. Materials Packet 1/per subject ordered in the following manner
8. list to memorize (focal cues)
9. Response sheet for anagram solutions
10. Recall sheet for focal cues
11. Recall sheet for peripheral cues
12. RAT
13. Analytical Problems
14. Debriefing sheet, additional consent form, experiment credit sheet
15. A few extra pens/pencils
16. Subject Number tracking sheet
17. Lottery entry sheet

Procedures (all items in bold should be said aloud to Ss):

1. Arrive at lab ten-fifteen minutes prior to each session to set up equipment and to be sure packets of materials are correct. Pre-label materials with Subject Number (S#) and keep track of where you are on "Subject Number Tracking Sheet". Every sheet (except the list of focal cues) in each packet should have same subject number. Fill out "Experiment Credit Sheet"

2. At about five minutes prior to session, remove sign-up sheet from bulletin board. At the appointed time, shut the door to 235 and tape the "Experiment in Progress" sign on outside. Use the sign-up sheet to take roll and fill in any missing information or ask for spelling clarification.

3. Say: "We are conducting a study to assess how memory and attention are related to different types of problem solving. If you volunteer to participate, we will ask you to solve some logic problems and to memorize some words. You may find some of these tasks difficult and some may be easy. Please don’t get frustrated, just do the best you can."

4. Give Ss consent form, ask them to read it, and sign and date it if they agree to participate.

5. Ask if there are any questions and then collect consent forms.
6. Say: In a moment, I am going to give each of you a manila folder. Inside the folder are some of the tasks you will complete during the course of the experiment. PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE FOLDER, UNTIL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
7. Pass out the folders (BE SURE THAT EACH ITEM IN EACH FOLDER HAS APPROPRIATE S# and is in the appropriate order), remind them not to open the folders.
8. Say: We are ready to begin the experiment.

   You will be given a list of words to memorize. They can be learned in any order, and you may use any device you wish to aid you in memorization. You will have 10 minutes to learn the words and later on you will be asked to write down the words you remember.

   There is more, however! During the time you are learning the words, another

   list of words will be played on this CD player. You are asked to try to concentrate on the list in front of you and to memorize it as well as you can while the other words are being played in the background.

   In addition, after your 10 minutes are up, you will be asked to solve some

   problems. When the problems are over, then you will have a chance to write

   down the words you remember from the list you have memorized. Do you all

   understand?

    

9. Tell them to open their folder, remove the PINK sheet keeping it face down. Tell them to shut their folder.
10. Say: When I give the signal, you are to turn over the sheet and begin studying. At the same time I will turn on the CD player….Ready begin!" Turn on the CD Player--be sure to keep track of the time b/c you'll need to stop it before it gets to track 2.
11. When time is up say: Time is up. Please place the pink sheet under your folder. The next task is a problem-solving task. On the screen in the front of the room, you will see a string of letters. Your task is to rearrange those letters so that they spell an English word. There will be 30 word jumbles, presented one at a time for ten seconds. You will record your answers on the GREEN sheet which you can find in your folder. (tell them to open the folder and remove the green sheet and see if they have any questions)

     

12. Say: You may hear a tone during this task, the tone is a signal for me to change the slide…Ready? Let's begin.

     

13. Start the CD player and slide projector and continue until all anagrams are shown.

     

14. Say: That task is complete so please place the green sheet under your folder. Next, I am going to ask you to write down as many words as you can remember from the list of words on the pink sheet that you studied. Please open your folder, take out the WHITE sheet of paper, close the folder and write down as many of those items as you can. Give Ss 5 minutes to do so.
15. Say: That task is complete so please place the white sheet under your folder. Next, I am going to ask you to write down as many words as you can remember from the list of words that you heard played on the CD. Please open your folder, take out the YELLOW sheet of paper, close the folder and write down as many of those items as you can. Give Ss 5 minutes to do so.
16. Say: That task is complete so please place the yellow sheet under your folder. Your next task is another problem solving task. Open your folder and remove the BLUE booklet. In the top left corner of this booklet, please note whether you are male or female and whether English is your primary language. Now, I will read the instructions, while you follow along.
17. Read the instructions aloud to the S while they follow along. Ask if there are questions. They will have 10 minutes to work on the problems
18. When 10 minutes have elapsed, say: Time is up for that task, please put the blue booklet under your folder. We have one final problem solving task to complete. Please open your folder and remove the ORANGE booklet. I will read the instructions, while you follow along.
19. Begin timing. Two minutes per problem.
20. When time is say: Please put all your papers back in the folder. Collect the folders
21. Debrief subjects (you can read sheet if you'd like).
22. Pass out a copy of the consent form, debriefing sheet, lottery drawing and experiment credit sheet (tell them to fill in the rest of the information and then turn the experiment credit sheet in to their instructor.
23. Say If you'd like to be entered in the drawing for one of the $50 prizes please fill in your contact information and hand it to me before you leave.
24. Do not under any circumstances give individuals feedback regarding their performance