For an inference question, identify the claim or assumption being tested and then compare the groups that differ in only the relevant condition. Choose the cautious conclusion supported by the complete pattern of results, and reject options that make broad claims about causation, necessity, or measurement reliability that the study did not establish.
Hints
- Hint 1
Focus on timing
Consider when each group received the painting's title relative to when eye movements were recorded.
- Hint 2
Compare two kinds of evidence
Examine how the post-viewing-title group differed from the inventory-code group in fixation patterns and in next-day descriptions.
- Hint 3
Evaluate the original assumption
Ask whether a difference in later descriptions must have resulted from a difference in attention during the original viewing.
Step-by-step
- Step 1
Identify the assumption under investigation
Some researchers interpret title-consistent descriptions as evidence that a title changed where viewers directed their attention.
- Step 2
Compare the crucial groups
The post-viewing-title and inventory-code groups had similar fixation patterns, but the post-viewing-title group later mentioned more title-consistent details.
- Step 3
Draw the supported inference
Because a title supplied only after viewing affected later descriptions without producing a title-related fixation pattern during viewing, the descriptions alone are not sufficient evidence that the title initially guided attention.