Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am conducting an experiment where I will test whether or not appearance plays a role in donations to a charity. I plan on picking one site to conduct my research (Target) and I will be there for the same amount of time each day and only collect from a certain amount of people but I will change how I look each time. Do you think this is a fair experiment? I can only control so much, the types of people I see each day will not be consistent and I'm afraid that will be a problem.

That's a very interesting idea you have. What is your hypothesis? That being well-dressed will make people more likely to donate than if you are dressed in a dirty T-shirt and jeans with holes in the knees?

I think you would have to do this experiment many times and at many different stores to get a valid answer. If you are standing outside a Target that is in a neighborhood where everyone shops in T-shirts and cut-off jeans, then your fancy outfit might have a negative affect.

The other big problem is the type of charity that you are representing. I think this influences people more than the appearance of the volunteers--at least it does for me. I support high school teams, girl scouts, veterans and other school groups but I don't pay much attention to how they're dressed as long as they look legitimate.

Maybe some other experts can give their opinions on this project. I don't know what is the best way to test your idea.

Good luck!

Sybee