How can two different studies investigating the same thing (e.g., the relationship, if any, between caffeinated coffee and memory) come to different conclusions?

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The prompt asks how two studies investigating the same topic (such as the link between caffeinated coffee and memory) can reach different conclusions, but the provided data lacks the answer options to analyze.

First, note the question itself: it is asking for factors that can lead to different conclusions across studies that examine the same phenomenon. In a typical multiple-choice question, you would be evaluating several possible explanations (e.g., differences in methodology, sample characteristics, measurement tools, or statistical power), and then selecting the option that most comprehensively explains the discrepancy.

However, the answer options are not present here, so we cannot directly evaluate which explanations are offered, compare them, or judge which is correct. Without the concrete choices, we can still outline the major categories that commonly account for divergent findings:

- Study design differences: Observational vs. randomized controlled trials can yield different levels of evidence and susceptibility to confounding. Timeframe and setting can also influence results.
- Sample size and power: Smaller studies may produce unstable estimates and more false positives or false negatives due to random sampling error.
- Population characteristics: Age, education, baseline memory performance, caffeine tolerance, health status, and cultural factors can affect memory outcomes and caffeine effects.
- Exposure measurement: How caffeine intake is quantified (e.g., cup size, caffeine milligrams, timing of intake relative to memory testing) can vary and alter observed associations.
- Memory assessment methods: Different memory tasks (e.g., working memory vs. long-term recall; computerized tests vs. paper-and-pencil tasks) have varying sensitivity to caffeine effects.
- Dose-response and timing: Acute vs. chronic caffeine exposure, and the dose used during testing, can produce different results; placebo effects may also vary.
- Control of confounding variables: Failure to adjust for sleep, fatigue, stress, or other stimulant substances may bias results.
- Publication bias and reporting practices: Studies with null results may be less likely to be published, or selective reporting within a study can affect apparent conclusions.
- Statistical analysis choices: Different models, covariates, corrections for multiple comparisons, or handling of missing data can lead to different inferences.
- Compliance and blinding: Participants’ adherence to instructions and whether assessors are blinded can influence outcomes.

If you had the actual options, you could map each option to these categories and explain why some explanations are more plausible given typical research flaws or strengths. In the absence of the listed options, the reasoning above covers the major factors that commonly drive discordant conclusions across studies investigating the same question.

BIOL 1001 (090-095) Unit 1.1 Learning Quiz

How can two different studies investigating the same thing (e.g., the relationship, if any, between caffeinated coffee and memory) come to different conclusions?

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BIOL 1001 (090-095) Unit 1.1 Learning Quiz

How can two different studies investigating the same thing (e.g., the relationship, if any, between caffeinated coffee and memory) come to different conclusions?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Which of the following is true regarding observation in psychological research?

Case study is to ________ as naturalistic observation is to ________.

Descriptive research, by definition, is:

Select the best option to complete this statement: _______ and _______ are among the _______ of non-experimental designs in social psychological research.

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Case study is to as naturalistic observation is to .

Select the best option to complete this statement: ___ and _ are among the _____ of non-experimental designs in social psychological research.