In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically.

Just like A/B Testing, social psychologists must have a way to assess the ideas of interest when using an empirical approach to social behavior. For example, an assessment of Juliet’s feelings for Romeo is necessary in order to discover how she feels about him. “Liking” is a broad term, but how can one define it?

Conceptual variables are what a psychologist seeks to measure, and operational definitions are the specific measurements a psychologist needs to do so as to get at those conceptual variables. Self-report measures can be used to gather information directly from the target audience. In a self-report measure, an interviewer or a questionnaire asks a person to reply to questions.

Using the average of Juliet’s answers to the questions, the operational definition would be: For this reason, the average of the questions will generally be a better gauge of Juliet’s attitude toward Romeo than any one question.

There is a possible drawback to using self-report measures, despite the ease with which they might be used. When it comes to their own thoughts and actions, people may not always be completely honest with themselves. As an alternative to self-reporting, seeing actual behavior can provide a more reliable indicator of behavior.

Social psychologist often uses a research design for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. While A/B testing technique gives information on which version of your website or app performs better. Users are shown these two options at random, referred to as variants A and B.

Answer by Academic.tip's expert
An answer to this question is provided by one of our experts who specializes in psychology. Let us know how much you liked it and give it a rating.

Cite this page

Select a citation style:

References

Academic.Tips. (2023) 'In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically'. 27 May.

Reference

Academic.Tips. (2023, May 27). In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically. https://academic.tips/question/in-the-social-dilemma-netflix-2020-we-learn-that-tech-developers-use-a-b-testing-to-refine-their-algorithms-to-make-them-more-persuasive-a-b-testing-refers-to-running-a-bunch-of-large-scale-compa/

References

Academic.Tips. 2023. "In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically." May 27, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/in-the-social-dilemma-netflix-2020-we-learn-that-tech-developers-use-a-b-testing-to-refine-their-algorithms-to-make-them-more-persuasive-a-b-testing-refers-to-running-a-bunch-of-large-scale-compa/.

1. Academic.Tips. "In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically." May 27, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/in-the-social-dilemma-netflix-2020-we-learn-that-tech-developers-use-a-b-testing-to-refine-their-algorithms-to-make-them-more-persuasive-a-b-testing-refers-to-running-a-bunch-of-large-scale-compa/.


Bibliography


Academic.Tips. "In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically." May 27, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/in-the-social-dilemma-netflix-2020-we-learn-that-tech-developers-use-a-b-testing-to-refine-their-algorithms-to-make-them-more-persuasive-a-b-testing-refers-to-running-a-bunch-of-large-scale-compa/.

Work Cited

"In the Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020), we learn that tech developers use A/B Testing to refine their algorithms to make them more persuasive. A/B Testing refers to running a bunch of large-scale comparisons simultaneously using subsets of users. For example, Group A may see the headline in red font and Group B sees the headline in blue font and the algorithm tracks which color font gets more engagement (e.g., clicks, likes, shares). Explain how this is similar to behavioral research conducted by social psychologists. Compare and contrast them both methodologically (e.g., the study design, sampling) and ethically." Academic.Tips, 27 May 2023, academic.tips/question/in-the-social-dilemma-netflix-2020-we-learn-that-tech-developers-use-a-b-testing-to-refine-their-algorithms-to-make-them-more-persuasive-a-b-testing-refers-to-running-a-bunch-of-large-scale-compa/.

Copy