Researchers wanted to determine the effects of exercise on stress. They divided a random sample into groups,
Question:
Researchers wanted to determine the effects of exercise on stress. They divided a random sample into groups, with each group having a specified level of exercise. A pretest of stress levels was given to all participants to establish a baseline. One group had strenuous exercise, another had moderate exercise, and another was the control group which had no exercise. After the exercise period, a posttest was given to measure the stress level. The scores for comparison were calculated by subtracting the baseline stress measurement from the final stress measurement. Here is the ANOVA table with the results:
What type of ANOVA was used in this scenario?
What do the results mean in statistical and practical terms?
What are the independent and dependent variables, sample size, treatments, etcetera?
- identify the research question and the hypothesis being tested in the assigned scenario.
- Determine what question(s) the researchers are trying to answer by doing this research.
- Determine the hypotheses being tested. Is the alternative hypothesis directional or nondirectional?
- Identify the independent variable(s), the dependent variable, and the specific type of ANOVA used.
- Determine the sample size and the number of groups from information given in the ANOVA table.
- Discuss briefly the assumptions and limitations that apply to ANOVA.
- Interpret the ANOVA results in terms of statistical significance and in relation to the research question.