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Third Series of Studies
Background Our first attempt to propagate the human species (Ricks & Ricks, 2007) served several purposes: (a) to pass on our knowledge, (b) to give purpose and meaning to our lives, (c) to create a physical symbol of our affection and devotion to each other, and (d) to have a little person on whom we could shower our love and attention. Although the project proved challenging, we were pleased with the overall results. We had hypothesized that our general levels of love and affection would increase, that levels of cooperation and unity would also increase, and that these would also negatively correlate with our energy levels and satisfaction with sleep cycles. All of our hypotheses were supported, yet led us to other research questions.
It had become apparent that the adding of a child to our research laboratory caused many fascinating changes in our interactions, but we also became interested in learning how adding another variable might influence our lab. In line with the previous findings, we designed a second series of studies (Ricks & Ricks, 2012). In these, we retained our hypotheses from the 2007 series, but with three key differences: we hypothesized (a) an increase of the strength of the negative correlation between the previously recorded variables, (b) that our first child would be largely compatible with our second, and (c), that by including a Y chromosome in the second series, many changes in our methods would be necessary. That final hypothesis was non-directional, as we had little data upon which to base it. Our results supported hypotheses again, and it is now necessary for us to further our knowledge by adding a third series of studies, expected to commence near the end of May, 2014. We hypothesize that this third series will be compatible with the first two, that the overall love and affection in our laboratory will increase, that levels of cooperation and unity will remain stable or increase, and that the strength of the negative correlation between each of these and our satisfaction with sleep cycles will begin to decrease. That is, we expect that, rather than becoming increasingly dissatisfied with our sleep cycles, we will simply lower our expectations of what constitutes a valid sleep cycle.
Method We used methodology comparable to the first two series of studies. Once the development stage is complete, we plan to implement a vigorous schedule of hugs, kisses, feedings, diaper changes, lullabies, and tickles, as we did in the first two series of studies. Some of these will gradually be replaced with encouragement, praise, and sugary rewards. We will record data with digital cameras and video recorders, and keep weekly notes on progress at www.ricksfam.blogspot.com.
Significance The potential impact of the present series of studies will certainly be life changing, and may prove to change the world. We are confident that this project will improve the state of humanity, at least in small ways initially. We are also confident that our research laboratory is the ideal environment for this project to be carried out. Details are forthcoming.