Experimental Design Assignment

How does using the Database Brainfuse

Impact the ACT Scores
Of High School Juniors?

Gail Currier

Dr. Susan Burke-LIS 5173

Fall 2018
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Topic:

Brainfuse, an online database, provides learning tools to help students with educational

performance in grade levels Kindergarten through college. One of the learning applications for

high school students is the ability to practice for the ACT standardized examination with test

taking tips and multiple practice tests. An experimental study will evaluate the ACT test

performance of students from two area high schools in Ardmore, Oklahoma who access and

utilize Brainfuse specifically for ACT practice. The following research question will be

addressed:

1. What is the outcome of high school student’s scores on the ACT standardized test when

provided additional training using the database, Brainfuse, compared to students who

only engage in a preparation ACT class with face to face instruction?

The question applies an independent variable (database, Brainfuse) and a dependent variable

(changes in ACT test score) in the experiment. Two local high schools (Plainview and Ardmore)

have a combined population of 253 students who are classified as 11th grade juniors in high

school. Participants (male and female) will be recruited for the experiment from this group who

meet specific criteria: 1) students are planning to apply to university level educational

institutions; 2) students have previously taken the ACT test at least one time and permit access to

their scores for comparisons after the independent variable is provided; 3) students agree to

attend an ACT training class on select Saturdays; 4) participants will take the next available ACT

test (Feb. 2019). This “availability” sample is one of convenience as students must agree to

engage in the study by participating in a tutorial class. Qualifying students will be randomly

selected by a drawing of names and contacted by visiting the classrooms at the schools for more

explanation and to secure written permission from parents/guardians. Forty students will make
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up the final sampling for the study. Follow-up emails and/or text messages will be sent as

reminders of the secured dates and times for the study and instruction. If a student decides not to

participate prior to the class, another applicant will be drawn from the random names.

All participants will be given the classroom instruction by certified instructors who

regularly teach ACT prep courses. As stated, the stimulus will be an additional ACT instruction

and practice session offered on the database, Brainfuse, to the experimental group – half of

students selected randomly at the end of the in-person classroom instruction.

Group 1 (Experimental)-20 participants: Gr O (ACT score) X (stimulus/Brainfuse) O (ACT

score)

Group 2 (Control)-20 participants: Gr O (ACT score) O (ACT score)

Following the experiment, ACT scores of the next administered exam will be collected

and recorded for comparison to the previously collected data (ACT scores). An assessment will

be documented to determine whether students who were provided access to Brainfuse scored

higher on the test than those who did not receive the additional training.

The strengths of the experiment are that all eligible students are available to take this

performance enhancing class. Measurement of the experiment is through the comparison of ACT

scores of the two groups and whether the access to Brainfuse affected the outcome or initiated

improvement. Bias can still be considered based on how well students absorb information and

various learning styles, i.e. visual or audio learning. Students attending the workshop have a

specific date and time to be present. Those using the online database will be led to the computer

lab and receive a brief instruction on how to access and navigate the site. Primary research will

address online methods of ACT instruction compared to a workshop instruction with a teacher.