A researcher wants to understand the relationship between horror movies and memory in teenagers. The researchers had teens ages 14 through 17 view various types of horror movies over the course of six hours (roughly 3 movies). Prior to viewing, the teens were given visual and auditory memory tasks. After viewing, they were re-administered tests of visual and auditory memory. The researchers found that after six hours of viewing horror films, visual memory declined but auditory memory remained the same. Initially, the main issue would be the gathering of the teenagers and the length of time between the movies. After re-reading the scenario, it is evident that there is no background or thought process on the selection of teenager used in the study. No back story was given on the participants, there was no information as to how closely together the movies were watched, were the students given breaks in-between the movies, what horror movies were watched? In addition, what were the visual and auditory memory tasks related to? It is important to know this type of information in order to better understand the study, why this study is and was conducted and what the purpose of the study was.

What is the reasoning behind the study? What is your opinion?