Dan Harris in the video refreshes the traditional view of meditation as a rigid or religious ritual by advocating the three simple steps of practicing mindfulness meditation: “sit upright”, “feel your breath” and “return your attention to the breath”. (Harris, 2014) Its beneficial effects are revealed through Harris’s recount of personal experience of having better control of his emotions and impulses, embracing a positive mindset, as well as achieving self-esteem and a sense of fulfilment in life. Various case studies evidently support his message by demonstrating the wide applications of meditation in military training, performing and business firms. Empirical evidence from scientific studies and brain scans show that meditation can lower …show more content…
The brain scans evidently prove that meditation would cause “greater cortical thickness in the anterior regions of the brain”, hence Dan Harris’s claims. (Kang et al., 2012, p. 27)
ANOVA = Analysis of variance = a statistical model for comparing means.
Interaction = within the context of ANOVA, this is when the effect of an IV on a DV varies as a function of another IV (see ANOVA footnote 1 example).
Confounding [variable, element—p.778) = a confounding variable is an extraneous component within the experiment that correlates with both the independent and dependant variables and influences the interpretation of the relationship between the targeted variables studied. It also “compromises the internal validity of a study by making inferences about causality impossible” (Burton, Westen & Kowalski, 2014, p. 53)
Retrospective [measure—p.778] = a retrospective measure is a backward-looking process and involves post-program evaluations of the tasks performed. Instead of focusing on the outcomes, a retrospective measure is used to determine the key potential factors that lead to the observed
…show more content…
nutrition class). The within-groups independent variable is time of testing (before training vs after training) and examining of TUTs (task-unrelated thoughts) . Dependent variable(s) (DV)
The dependent variables are the quality of performance in GRE and WMC and the amount of TUTs (task-unrelated thoughts), or in other words, the number of times of mind wandering.
An experimental design involves a random assignment of subject to different test groups which ensures the internal validity of the experiment. Whereas, a quasi-experimental design does not include any randomisation and the researchers have little control over the independent variables. Therefore it may compromise the certainty of the causal relationship between two variables studies.
An experimental design would best describe this study since the participants consented to be randomly assigned to either the mindfulness training class or the nutrition class. The random assignment ensures the internal validity of the study and eliminates “self-selection effects” (Mrazek, Franklin, Phillips, Baird & Schooler, 2013, p. 778). The participant were given impression that two programs have the equal potential to be effective in reducing mind wandering and improving task performance. Blind study minimises the placebo effect which would compromises the outcome
Travis, F., & Arenander, A. (2006). Cross-sectional and longitudinal study of effects of transcendental meditation practice on interhemispheric frontal asymmetry and frontal coherence. PB Informa Healthcare. International Journal of Neuroscience, 116(12), 1519. doi:10.1080/00207450600575482
Quasi-experimental designs are experimental designs that do not provide for the full control of extraneous variables. Primarily, the absence of control in this design is due to the lack of random assignment to groups. Quasi-experimental research designs are used in the study of cause and effect by manipulating the independent variable.
Experimental research is the one type of research that allows psychologists to make causal statements. It is where the researcher changes one or more variables that may have an effect on some other variables (King, 2016). The hypothesis is a specific expectation about what is going to happen in the experiment (King, 2016). In the research, the hypothesis was that women would perceive fat talk to be more socially acceptable than men (Katrevich et al., 2014). The other elements of experimental method are dependent and independent variables. The independent variable (IV) is the cause of the results, and it is changed by the experimenter to find the effects, but the dependent vari...
Identify the chosen research method (experimental, survey, observation or correlational research) and if appropriate, the design used. (1 mark) I am using a lab experiment as my research method. I am using an independent groups design. PB4: Identify the advantages(s) and disadvantage(s) of the chosen research method. (2 marks)
Meditation is an age-old practice that has renewed itself in many different cultures and times. Despite its age, however, there remains a mystery and some ambiguity as to what it is, or even how one performs it. The practice and tradition of meditation dates back thousands of years having appeared in many eastern traditions. Meditation’s ancient roots cloud its origins from being attributed to a sole inventor or religion, though Bon, Hindu, Shinto, Dao, and later, Buddhism are responsible for its development. Its practice has permeated almost all major world religions, but under different names. It has become a practice without borders, influencing millions with its tranquil and healing effects.
Meditation is logical in not only the minds of Buddhist practitioners, but also in those of scientific standpoints. Meditation, however, is not exclusive to Buddhism alone. These brain scan studies showed that Franciscan nuns that spend tim...
Randomized Controlled Trials can be used to in several types of evaluations, including new therapies (i.e. Cognitive behavioral therapy versus emotionally focused therapy when treating couples), community interventions, and diagnostic techniques (O'Brien, 2013). The RCT study design randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group. As the study is conducted, the only expected difference between the control and experimental groups is the outcome variable being studied (O'Brien, 2013).
Experimental designs are viewed as the most accurate, and most demanding of research designs, requiring strict attention to rules and procedures. Researchers use these research designs to manipulate and control testing procedures as a way to understand a cause and effect relationship. Commonly, independent variables are manipulated to judge or decide their effect on a dependent variable (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008).
Independent Variable (IV): The independent variable in this lab consists of two different sugar substitutes; Splenda and Truvia.
A researcher uses an experiment to scientifically test out a hypothesis. In an experiment there are many different factors that are involved. There is the independent variable, which is the cause, it is the one that is being manipulated, and the dependent variable, which is the effect, is the response. When conducting a experiment it is important to make sure that the only thing than can affect the dependent variable is the independent variable. This is known as internal validity. Using random assignment to separate the participants into groups helps eliminate any outside factors, and creates an equal chance for all participants to be apart of the experimental conditions. There are many pros and cons to this type of method. The experimental method creates a strong control of the variables involved in the experiment, which allows an easier determination on cause and effect. If needed, it is fairly easy to replicate an experiment and is less time consuming than other research methods. However there are many downfalls as well. When conducting an experiment the setting of where the experiment is taking place is more artificial which may cause certain behaviors that wouldn’t occur in real life. This is known as external validity, which is the measure of how much the results of a study can be generalized and used in different situations, and people. To improve external validity cover stories are created when conducting experiments so the participants are not aware of what is really going on, or experiments are done in a natural setting as opposed to in a laboratory. However, this creates less control over confounding variables that can affect the experiment, which can create bias results (Aronson,
Variables Independent Variable (IV) Air Temperature (0°C; 20°C; 37°C; 45°C) The independent variable is the air temperature where the experiment would be held in different temperature ranging accordingly from 0°C, 20°C, 37°C, and to 50°C. The experiments would be carries out at different location with the corresponding temperature listed above. Dependent Variable (DV)
Understanding the brain and the different signs will help acknowledge the issues within a person to help them cope with the issue. It is important for one to be aware of their selves and their reactions/behaviors. On the other hand, the studies address the different types of mediation and possible consequences. When introducing a specific technique, there are always pros and cons, and people that are for or against the matter. Meditation is known as healing of the body and/or mind and can be religious. Those different types were address and justified for the understanding of the use for the
By utilizing a set of research methods, that inducts different types of mindfulness meditation training programs, and advanced mindfulness practitioners to matched control, with a capitulation of detection that enhance our understanding of the nature of mindfulness. While providing insights that will help me to target symptoms and populations that are likely to benefit from mindfulness meditation
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2010). Health info. Meditation: An introduction. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm
Meditation is not a time devoted to thinking or reflecting about oneself, but a time to redirect one’s thoughts and emotions away from the outside world and onto something simple, such as the wind or one’s own breathe. By learning how to meditate, an individual can learn how to react appropriately to “the circumstances one finds oneself in, i...