Types of research People who take part in research involving
experiments might be asked to complete various tests to measure
their cognitive abilities (e.g. word recall, attention,
concentration, reasoning ability etc.) usually verbally, on
paper or by computer. The results of different groups are then
compared. Participants should not be anxious about performing
well but simply do their best. The aim of these tests is not to
judge people or measure so-called intelligence, but to look for
links between performance and other factors. If computers are
used, this has to be done in such a way that no previous
knowledge of computers is necessary. So people should not be put
off by this either. The study might include an intervention such
as a training programme, some kind of social activity, the
introduction of a change in the person’s living environment
(e.g. different lighting, background noise, different care
routine) or different forms of interaction (e.g. linked to
physical contact, conversation, eye contact,