Submit 2-3 pages describing the Methods/Design and Statistical Analysis that you will use in your project. Use the evidence from the peer reviewed articles that you have critically appraised and synthesized. Follow APA format and cite references. Include the following:
- Describe the evaluative criteria (indicators or variables) to be addressed in answering each evaluation question.
- Describe the research approaches to be used to answer each question and why they are appropriate to the evaluation questions posed.
- Describe in specific detail how data will be collected related to each of your evaluative criteria/indicators. Discuss exactly how the data be collected, when, and by whom. Describe any data collection tools in terms of their development and appropriateness in answering the evaluation questions. Provide information on validity and reliability of tools, if available. Explain why the data collection methods are appropriate to the research approach, type of data, and purpose of the evaluation.
- Describe how you will analyze the data, including specific statistical tests to be used. Include dummy data tables if applicable to show how you will display your findings.
Expectations
- Due: Monday, 11:59 pm PT
- Length: 2-3 pages
- Format: APA 7th ed.
- Research: At least one peer reviewed reference within the last 5 years
Introduction The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program in reducing stress and anxiety among college students. The evaluation will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper outlines the methods/design and statistical analysis that will be used in the project.
Evaluative Criteria and Research Approaches The following evaluative criteria will be used to address the research questions:
- Stress levels: To what extent does the MBSR program reduce stress levels among college students?
- Anxiety levels: To what extent does the MBSR program reduce anxiety levels among college students?
The research approach to be used for each question is quantitative. A pre- and post-test design will be used to collect quantitative data on stress and anxiety levels among participants before and after the MBSR program.
Data Collection Methods Data collection will be conducted through surveys and interviews. Surveys will be administered to participants before and after the MBSR program to collect quantitative data on stress and anxiety levels. Interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants after the program to collect qualitative data on their experiences and perceptions of the program.
The surveys will be developed using established scales, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The PSS is a widely used measure of perceived stress that assesses an individual’s feelings and thoughts related to stressful situations in the past month. The STAI measures both state and trait anxiety levels, with state anxiety reflecting a person’s current anxiety level and trait anxiety reflecting a person’s general tendency to experience anxiety.
Validity and reliability of these scales have been established through previous research (Cohen et al., 1983; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983). The surveys will be administered online before and after the MBSR program, and responses will be anonymous.
The interviews will be conducted by a trained researcher and will be semi-structured, allowing for flexibility in the questions asked. The interviews will be conducted in person and will be audio-recorded with the participant’s consent. The interviews will be transcribed and analyzed thematically to identify common themes and patterns related to the participants’ experiences and perceptions of the MBSR program.
Data Analysis Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, will be used to summarize the data. Inferential statistics, including t-tests, will be used to compare pre- and post-test scores and to determine if there is a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels after the MBSR program.
Qualitative data from the interviews will be analyzed thematically using a content analysis approach. Themes and patterns related to the participants’ experiences and perceptions of the MBSR program will be identified and summarized.
Conclusion In conclusion, this project will use a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program in reducing stress and anxiety among college students. The project will collect data using surveys and interviews, and the data will be analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The use of established scales and rigorous data collection and analysis methods will ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.