Understanding Statistics in Research: This Discussion is meant to help students
ID: 126268 • Letter: U
Question
Understanding Statistics in Research: This Discussion is meant to help students understand the application of statistics in research and also to interpret those findings.
A group of researchers conducted a power analysis before conducting a study comparing two types of patient teaching for multiple sclerosis: usual teaching and a computerized learning game. The dependent variable was perceived self-efficacy in managing medication side effects. The power analysis revealed that 45 subjects were needed in both groups for a power of 0.8 at a significance level of .05. The researchers randomly assigned 47 persons to each group. The study attrition was 10% for both groups. No significant differences were found between groups in perceived self-efficacy. What is your appraisal of these findings? What factors may have contributed to the insignificant results? What additional information do you need to appraise these findings?
Explanation / Answer
Self efficacy in managing medication side effects is considered dependent variable for the study.
Appraisal: Self efficacy differs from individual to individual as it's person immune system which responds to the drugs side effects. Considering this parameter in the study indicate the researcher is trying to evaluate individual strength with drug doses for multiple sclerosis.
Factors: such as random selection of candidates and if study would have been done with large number of patients confidence interval would have been evaluated better for the parameters.
Additional information needed for this study patients age, sex, past history for any other medication etc.
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