Experimentation Critique An article in the Teaching of Psychology Journal illustrates how a group of undergraduates used a Web-Based Self and Peer Assessments Systems in evaluating proposals for experimental psychology. An interest to teachers is grasping at students for involvement in experiments, and for students gain an opportunity to applying their skills to assess their observations empirically.
Researchers observe the participants over a quantitative research, considering various styles, and techniques for data collecting. This study was an observation. Results will determine that the students build an improved understanding between the proposals created before the experiment and after the assessment to establish quality work.
The study is an experimental research, in which “intervention by the researcher beyond that is required for measurements to determine the effect on another variable” (Cooper & Schindler, 2006, p. 709). The researchers placed the participants into teams, and the teams picked a topic taught in class, and create a proposal. In this paper, the attention is on the method, independent and dependent variable, observation techniques, and the sampling plan.
Method
Chang, Lee, Lin, and Sung, from the national Taiwan Normal University conducted this study. The study consisted of monitoring and observation of the data collected, measured, and analyzed. The study depends on experimental method and quantitative data collection techniques. Beginning with questions then narrowing the focus to one topic and a design how to arrive at the result. The students choose a topic and created proposals. A Likert-type items that rate on the scales of one to five in evaluating the quality of the proposal, if the literature is enough, and related to study, to new insights, and questions that are brought about one’s questions. The proposals inputted into the web-based monitor system to be observed by other members in the team.
Variables
Variables are “characteristic, number, or quantity that increases or decreases over time, or takes different values in different situations. Two basic types are (1) Independent variable: that can take different values and can cause corresponding changes in other variables, and (2) Dependent variable: that can take different values only in response to an independent variable” Business Dictionary (2010). In an experimental research, the researcher manipulates the variables and controls. By manipulating the independent and the dependent variable, the study can show the relationship in a causal relationship. The independent variable is the original proposal. The dependent variables are the students who participated. The students not monitored directly as they complete the task on the Web-Based Self and Peer Assessments Systems but the instructor must monitor the students work closely.
Observation technique
The study relied on observational study, and in this research; a conclusion is comparing the participants’ works against their group members. The only difficulty with this is that the monitor has no control, and cannot randomize a portion of the participant. At times creating bias, and disguise the cause and effect relationship. Correlation measured concerning the two variables in this study, the proposals, and the final assessment of the participants, referring to the change in a variable associated with a change in another variable.
Sampling plan
The sampling plan involved the students divided into subgroups. In this study, a sample size of 34 sophomores participated. The study consisted of 24 women and 10 men consisting of eight in one group, seven participants in two groups, and six participants in two groups. The purpose of the research was to improve student’s proposal after receiving feedback from the web-based assessments. The groups were rated before and after. Reaching a conclusion in a study is based on several factors and not just because the study ended. The study based on the legality, and dependability of the measurement and what variable may have had an effect on the results. The observation leads to the conclusion by means of empirical evidence. The empirical evidence supports what the participants was striving to achieve a positive result in calculating the effectiveness of their proposals.
Conclusion
The study gathered the ratings from the students self and peer evaluation before and after the experimentation. Chang, Lee, Lin, and Sung tested to determine if there was consistency of scores after each participant had a discussion with the other members. The outcome revealed that the participants were capable of gaining a better consensus of their work before and after the experiment being beneficial to students.

Reference
Variable. (2010). In Business Dictionary. Retrieved on April 3, 2010. From http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/variable.html
Cooper, Donald R. & Schindler, Pamela S. (2006). Business Research Methods, 9e. Ohio: McGraw-Hill.