Introduction Section of a Research Paper
dannie1124THE EFFECTS OF PROFREADING 2
Methods
Design
The design of this study is within subject. The independent variable is types of proofreading, the levels were aloud and silent. The dependent variable was the number of spelling errors detected.
Participants
Materials
There was a proofreading packet distributed to participants with instructions that explained the rules of the experiment. The packet contained 4 pages of specific reading instructions. There was a page for informed consent. In addition, a basic demographic questionnaire page was included with an English proficiency question. Moreover, a page explained that each passage must only be read once, and no going back to re-read the passage. The instructions stated that each spelling error must be circled. The order of proofreading instructions is partially counter balanced in ASSA OR SAAS. The order of the passage has full counter balancing. Each passage was 1 page in length, and written at a 10th grade level. Each passage contained 10 spelling errors, which was created by either adding, subtracting, or changing one letter. There was also one page for a debriefing sheet.
Procedure
After the participants confirmed consent which was received in the proofreading packet. Each participant was tested individually in a quiet room. The researcher stood quietly in the corner out of the participant’s way. The test had no time limit. The researcher did not answer any questions after the test had begun. After the test was completed, the participant turned it in to the researcher. The researcher than debriefed the participants and thanked them.