Purchase Solution

How to approach a research problem?

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

A researcher is asked to determine the likelihood that a new medication for arthritis works better than a similar medication that's been around for a decade. How would the researcher approach this assignment?

State a possible research hypothesis in the space below. Frame it as specifically as possible, in a testable way (so that we could use statistics to test the hypothesis).

What sort of subjects would the researcher want in his or her study?

What are the variables of interest, as well as the possible confounds and covariates the researcher should consider?

Describe the statistics that would be most applicable to test the hypothesis.

Discuss how the results of the statistical analysis might be statistically and/or practically significant.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Preview

(1) A researcher is asked to determine the likelihood that a new medication for arthritis works better than a similar medication that's been around for a decade. How would the researcher approach this assignment?

I would say that if a drug "works better", that means that it reduces pain more than another drug.

What I would do is randomize a group of patients with arthritis into 3 groups: Control, Old Drug, and New Drug. I would have them rate their pain somehow (how much does it hurt on a scale of 1 - 10 right now, how much does it hurt on a scale of 1 - 10 throughout the day, how often do you notice the pain, etc.). They would rate their pain before entering the study, then after a period of time of being on one of the drugs or on a placebo.

For each patient, I would average their pain levels before and after the treatment, so that we would have two data points per patient.

Or, you could not include a ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Measures of Central Tendency

Tests knowledge of the three main measures of central tendency, including some simple calculation questions.

Measures of Central Tendency

This quiz evaluates the students understanding of the measures of central tendency seen in statistics. This quiz is specifically designed to incorporate the measures of central tendency as they relate to psychological research.

Terms and Definitions for Statistics

This quiz covers basic terms and definitions of statistics.

Know Your Statistical Concepts

Each question is a choice-summary multiple choice question that presents you with a statistical concept and then 4 numbered statements. You must decide which (if any) of the numbered statements is/are true as they relate to the statistical concept.