The relationship between delayed gratification as a child and variables related to success

Full Answer Section Threats to validity: One threat to validity is maturation. This is the possibility that the participants will change in ways that are unrelated to the independent variable (delayed gratification). To address this threat, the researcher would need to measure other variables that could potentially change over time, such as intelligence and motivation. Another threat to validity is testing. This is the possibility that the participants will become better at taking the SAT test over time, regardless of their delayed gratification skills. To address this threat, the researcher would need to use a different measure of SAT scores at each time point. Interpretation of data and conclusions: If the results of the study support the hypothesis, the researcher would be able to conclude that delayed gratification is a predictor of SAT scores. This would suggest that delayed gratification is an important skill that can help children succeed in school and in life. The researcher would also be able to draw conclusions about the mechanisms that underlie the relationship between delayed gratification and SAT scores. For example, the researcher might find that delayed gratification is associated with better self-regulation and impulse control. APA style: The following is the APA style reference for the study by Mischel et al. (1972): Mischel, W., Ebbesen, E. B., & Raskoff Zeiss, A. (1972). Cognitive and attentional mechanisms in delay of gratification. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 21(2), 204–218.

Sample Answer Hypothesis: There is a positive correlation between delayed gratification as a child and SAT scores in adulthood. Research strategy: The research strategy would be a longitudinal study. This would involve following a group of children from childhood to adulthood and measuring their delayed gratification skills and SAT scores at each time point. Research design: The research design would be a repeated measures design. This means that the same participants would be measured at multiple time points. This would allow the researcher to control for individual differences and track changes in delayed gratification and SAT scores over time.