The experiment I designed is intended to observe the potential impact of central nervous system (CNS) depressants on basic reading comprehension. Central nervous system depressants come in many forms and categories, however, for the sake of accuracy, the experiment will focus on one category such as benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax) (“Sedatives”) . Essentially, these drugs slow down the central nervous system in an attempt to calm an individual or relieve tension within the body. We know that these are often prescribed for their anti-anxiety effects (Olsen and DeLorey). This can be achieved with a low dose of a central nervous system depressant, but if given more, an individual may experience high levels of drowsiness among other side effects. The intent of using them in an experiment is to determine whether there is a significant change in how a person interprets a passage when taking a central nervous system depressant compared to when not taking one. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The null hypothesis is that when CNS depressants are administered, the subject's interpretation of a reading passage will not change significantly. The alternative hypothesis is that when CNS depressants are administered, the subject's interpretation of a reading passage will change significantly. The point of having a null hypothesis here is important in that if the alternative hypothesis fails, there is still a hypothesis that is supported so that the experiment does not lead to a dead end. For this experiment, although double blinding is the best way to avoid bias, we need to look for people who are already taking central nervous system depressants. This is because people who have not already been prescribed these medicines can become dependent. If not necessary, a person may feel high because this category of medicines increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain (“Prescription Central Nervous System Depressants”). There is also an adaptation period that needs to happen in the body for the first few days that someone takes them as there are almost always side effects that someone will experience. These effects may include drowsiness and coordination problems (“prescription central nervous system depressants”). These would be variables that could distort the results of the experiment. The only variable we want to change is the independent variable, which is the central nervous system depressant. The dependent variable here is whether or not there is a significant change in the interpretation of the reading. We are asking for volunteers who are at least 18 years old and have been taking benzodiazepines for at least 30 days. Due to the nature of the experiment, it should take place in a clinical setting with the presence of a doctor for basic safety reasons. All participants will read a short passage and answer a short series of multiple-choice questions that reflect how they interpreted the passage. After a four-hour waiting period, half of the participants would receive a small dose of a central nervous system depressant and the other half a placebo pill. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay One hour after taking the pill, participants will read the same passage and answer the same questions. People taking the placebo should expect to answer questions as they did.