Peery Facts and Figures

What hormone was administered in Perry et al. (2015)?

Oxytocin

How was oxytocin administered?

Via nasal spray

What type of study design was used in Perry et al. (2015)?

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, independent measures experiment

What type of data was collected in Perry et al.?

Quantitative data—specifically percentage distance remaining between the participant and a virtual figure

What was the main dependent variable in Perry et al.?

Preferred interpersonal distance (IPD) measured by % distance remaining

How was empathy measured?

Using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)

How many items are in the full Interpersonal Reactivity Index?

28 items

How many items were used in the French version of the IRI in Braun et al. (2015)?

15 items

What was the average IPD reported for a family member in the CID paradigm?

4.3 cm

What was the average IPD for a friend?

6.5 cm

What was the average IPD for an authority figure?

8.1 cm

What was the average IPD for a stranger?

10.2 cm

In the CID paradigm, which social category had the smallest interpersonal distance?

Family (4.3 cm)

In the CID paradigm, which social category had the largest interpersonal distance?

Stranger (10.2 cm)

What was the main finding regarding oxytocin's effect on IPD?

Oxytocin reduced IPD but only in participants with high trait empathy

Was there a significant change in IPD for low-empathy participants after oxytocin?

No, oxytocin had no significant effect on low-empathy participants

What control condition was used in the experiment?

Placebo nasal spray

What was the setting of the experiment?

Laboratory using computer-based tasks

What was the deception used in the study?

Participants were told they'd have a personal meeting later, which never occurred

What was one ethical issue regarding consent in Perry et al.?

Participants may have felt pressured to participate due to course credit incentives

What is one way the study ensured reliability?

Standardised computer-controlled visual and timing conditions

What was the national origin of the IRI adaptation used in Siu & Shek (2005)?

Chinese adaptation

What is the national origin of the IRI adaptation used in Grevenstein (2020)?

German adaptation

What kind of data scale is interpersonal distance in this study?

Ratio scale (measurable, with a true zero)

What experimental task was used to simulate interpersonal approach?

A computer simulation where a virtual figure approached the participant

What does IRI stand for?

Interpersonal Reactivity Index