For each of the following examples, state at least one of the basic tools of psychological science (observation, measurement, experi- mentation) that have been violated, and ex- plain the correct procedure:

a. Deanna wanted to do an experiment on gas mileage to see whether the name brands give better mileage. She filled her tank with Fuel-Up one week and with a well-known brand the following week. At the end of that time, she thought things over and said, "Well, I didn't notice much difference be- tween the brands. I filled the car with Fuel- Up on a Tuesday and needed gas again the following Tuesday. It was the same story with the big-name brand, so they must be about the same."

b. Mike has been telling all his friends that his 3-year-old daughter, Allie, can read. One evening, Mike invites some of his friends over for coffee and offers to give a demonstration of his daughter's re- markable skill. Allie then appears to read a small storybook that Mike keeps on the coffee table. One of the friends is not convinced and asks the little girl to read a page from a different but equally simple storybook. Allie remains silent.

c. Mike explains Allie's behavior by saying, "She's just shy with strangers."

d. An author advocates the use of large doses of vitamin C to prolong life. In an interview, he says he has tried this treatment only on himself.

e. A researcher wanted to compare the ef- fects of a funny cartoon versus a violent cartoon on viewers' moods. She mea- sured mood by observing the body lan- guage of her subjects. She couldn't find any systematic differences in mood for the two treatments.