Scenario:

The researchers designed a study using a

convenience sample of 40 participants who have

entered treatment for smoking dependence. The

participants were randomly assigned to one of two

treatment groups, the standard treatment program or

the standard treatment program with Mindfulness

Therapy. Participants will receive treatment for 16

weeks and then complete a Youth Specific version of

the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS).

The treatment groups are considered equivalent at

the beginning of the study based on random

assignment to groups. The null hypothesis states

there will be no difference in scores on the NDSS

between those who receive the standard treatment

program and those who receive the standard

treatment program with Mindfulness Therapy. The

researcher used an independent samples t-test to

analyze the data.

The scores on the Youth-Specific NDSS for the two groups are:

Independent Samples T-Test Results: The results are t(38) = 4.9607, p = .000.

Standard Treatment Means = 13.25 (Standard Deviation = 3.51)

Standard Treatment AND Mindfulness Means= 8.1 (Standard Deviation = 3.04)

QUESTIONS:

Does the study design accurately test the null hypothesis?

Is the correct statistical test used to analyze the data? Why? Why not?