Shapely Glasses Does the shape of a glass play a role in determining the amount of time it takes to finish the drink? Researchers identified 159 male and female self-professed social drinkers. One week the subjects were given a 12 ounce beer with either a straight glass or a curved glass. A week later the subjects were given a 12 ounce beer in the other glass. The first week, subjects were given a glass and asked to consume the drink at their own pace while watching television. The time to complete the drink was measured. During the second week, the subjects were given the other shaped glass and asked to complete a computer task. Again, the time to complete the drink was measured. The type of glass given in the first week was determined randomly. The researchers found that the time to complete the drink was significantly faster for the curved glass.


Who are the subjects?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the subjects by looking at the description of the participants in the study.
2. Note that the problem states the researchers identified 159 male and female self-professed social drinkers.
3. Understand that these 159 individuals are the participants who took part in the experiment involving drinking beer from different shaped glasses.
4. Recognize that the subjects are the people whose drinking times were measured under the two conditions (straight glass and curved glass).
5. Therefore, the subjects are the 159 male and female self-professed social drinkers who participated in the study.

Key Concepts

Subjects in a Study

Subjects are the individuals who participate in a research study. They provide the data needed to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. In experiments, subjects are often selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research question.

Randomization

Randomization is the process of assigning subjects to different groups or conditions by chance. This helps reduce bias and ensures that differences in outcomes are due to the treatment rather than other factors.

Repeated Measures Design

A repeated measures design involves the same subjects experiencing multiple conditions or treatments. This allows researchers to compare outcomes within the same individuals, controlling for individual differences.