AP Essay

In an effort to improve academic performance, administrators at St. John's Prep conducted a pilot study that would pay

students each time they successfully passed a state regents.

Twenty students - five from each grade- were assigned to the pilot study and divided into two groups,

After two regents were given, the results showed that students who received the money for passing tests scored significantly

higher on all the tests than those who did not receive the money. Administratorsconcluded that offering money for passing tests

improved student performance

a. In relationship to the study above identify each of the following:

Identify the independent and independent variable (2 POINTS)

Identify the reinforcement schedule that was implemented (1 POINT)

Identify one potential flaw in the study and how you would correct it (2 POINTS)

b. In relation to student performance, explain how each of the following might be affected by paying for students

academic success

Intrinsic Motivation (1 POINT)

Learned Helplessness (1 POINT)

Expectancy Effect - Pygmalion Effect (1 POINT)

Each point is worth - 12.5 points = 100

Three helpful Hints:

Use the organization in the question when answering

Do what is asked of you in the essay - Adding information will not get you extra points

Do not bother with an introduction or conclusion - no points