Develop a proposed PSYCHOLOGY study that can make use of either the between-subjects (independent-sample) or within-subjects (paired sample) t-tests. Identify the grouping variable (and level of measurement) and the dependent variable. Specify the relevant population (sample). Be sure to indicate which t-test you would be using. Write a null and alternative hypothesis.
Complete the following readings from your textbook, Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences:
Chapter 10: The t-test for two Independent Samples
Chapter 11: The t-test for two Related Samples
ANSWER
Study Title: The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Levels among College Students
Research Question: Does mindfulness meditation reduce stress levels among college students?
Grouping Variable (Independent Variable):
Mindfulness meditation group (students who participate in a mindfulness meditation program)
Non-mindfulness meditation group (students who do not participate in a mindfulness meditation program)
Level of Measurement: Nominal
Dependent Variable:
Stress levels measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
Population (Sample):
A sample of 100 undergraduate students from a large university
t-Test:
Between-subjects (independent-sample) t-test
Null Hypothesis (H₀):
There is no difference in stress levels between students who participate in a mindfulness meditation program and those who do not participate in a mindfulness meditation program.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
There is a difference in stress levels between students who participate in a mindfulness meditation program and those who do not participate in a mindfulness meditation program.
Procedure:
Randomly assign 50 participants to the mindfulness meditation group and 50 participants to the non-mindfulness meditation group.
Provide the mindfulness meditation group with an 8-week mindfulness meditation program.
Provide the non-mindfulness meditation group with a relaxation and stress management program.
Measure stress levels in both groups using the PSS before and after the intervention.
Conduct a between-subjects (independent-sample) t-test to compare stress levels between the two groups after the intervention.
Expected Results:
Students who participate in a mindfulness meditation program will have lower stress levels after the intervention compared to students who do not participate in a mindfulness meditation program.
Implications:
Mindfulness meditation could be a valuable tool for reducing stress levels among college students.
Ethical Considerations:
Obtain informed consent from all participants.
Protect the confidentiality of participants.
Debrief participants after the study.