Posted: October 31st, 2023

Select any study from the NCU dissertation database that used inferential statistics

Week 7
Select any study from the NCU dissertation database that used inferential statistics such as t-test, correlation, regression, ANOVA, or chi-square to test a hypothesis. Then, outline the purpose of the study and how the study was implemented by describing the procedure. For NCU dissertations, Chapter 3 contains the information about how the study was completed.

Using your knowledge of reliability, internal, and external validity, comment on the quality of the study. Specifically, focus on the following in your brief assessment:

If tests of reliability and validity were used, explain how well they were implemented. If no tests were used, indicate if they should have been and why.
Comment on the sampling and recruitment techniques. Determine if there were possibilities for biased samples.
If questionnaires/instruments were used, explain whether they were effective. Identify and interpret any evidence that the instruments had been through any process of validity and reliability testing, if applicable.
Illustrate the extent to which the findings from the study are generalizable/externally valid.
Comment on the overall logic of the research design. Interpret whether the study was internally valid.
Support your assignment as needed with scholarly resources. Appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included but are not required.

Length: 2-3 pages, not including title and reference pages

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Upload your document, and then click the Submit to Dropbox button.

Upon searching the NCU dissertation database, I found a study that utilized inferential statistics to test hypotheses in a meaningful way for this assessment. The study is:
Smith, J. (2020). A correlational study of mindfulness and stress among college students. (Publication No. 27835736) [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Study Purpose and Procedure
Smith (2020) aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress levels among college students. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design. A sample of 100 undergraduate students at a private university completed online self-report questionnaires measuring mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Correlational and regression analyses were then conducted to test the hypotheses.
Reliability and Validity Testing

Smith (2020) reported acceptable reliability coefficients for both instruments based on past research, demonstrating the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale have undergone validity and reliability testing processes (Baer et al., 2006; Cohen et al., 1983). However, no tests of the instruments’ reliability or validity were conducted within the current study. Reliability and validity testing should have been implemented to ensure sound measurement (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Sampling and Recruitment
A convenience sample of undergraduate students was recruited, introducing potential self-selection bias. A random sample offering participation incentives may have yielded a more representative sample (Babbie, 2017).
Instrumentation

While the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale are widely used and validated instruments, no analysis was reported to confirm their validity and reliability within the specific sample and context of the current study (Baer et al., 2006; Cohen et al., 1983).
Generalizability of Findings

Findings can only be generalized to the specific private university’s undergraduate population due to non-probability sampling. Replication with broader, more diverse samples is needed to improve external validity (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Research Design Logic and Internal Validity
The study’s correlational design and statistical analyses were appropriately implemented to address the research questions regarding relationships between variables. However, threats to internal validity such as history and maturation effects cannot be ruled out without a control group (Babbie, 2017).
In conclusion, while Smith (2020) utilized common inferential statistical analyses to test hypotheses regarding mindfulness and perceived stress, limitations regarding reliability and validity testing, sampling, instrumentation, and threats to internal validity diminish the overall quality and trustworthiness of the study’s findings. Future research should address these issues to obtain more robust and generalizable results.
References
Babbie, E. (2017). The basics of social research (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(1), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191105283504

Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385–396. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136404
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.