A student is investigating the effect of mindfulness meditation on reducing anxiety levels in Year 12 students during exam periods. They collect heart rate data before and after meditation sessions as an objective measure of anxiety. Which of the following actions would BEST demonstrate the application of scientific evidence principles in their investigation?
Relying solely on participants’ subjective reports of anxiety reduction after the meditation sessions, as they are the ones experiencing the effects.
Comparing the collected heart rate data to pre-existing, peer-reviewed research on the physiological effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety.
Ignoring outliers in the heart rate data that do not support the hypothesis, to ensure the results are consistent with the expected outcome.
Presenting the findings as conclusive proof that mindfulness meditation eliminates anxiety in all Year 12 students, regardless of individual differences.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Psychology practice question worth 1 mark, testing your understanding of Scientific evidence heading. It falls under How is scientific inquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning? in Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
In this unit students explore the demand for sleep and the influences of sleep on mental wellbeing. They consider how changes to a person’s sleep-wake cycle can affect psychological functioning. Students explore the concept of mental wellbeing, including social and emotional wellbeing as a multidimensional and holistic framework. They apply a biopsychosocial approach to specific phobia, exploring how biological, psychological and social factors are involved in its development and management. A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to mental processes and mental wellbeing is undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4 or across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Outcome 3 of this unit.
Students undertake a student-designed scientific investigation in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4, related to mental processes and mental wellbeing. The investigation involves the generation of primary quantitative data. Students apply key science skills to develop and test a research question, gather and analyse data, and communicate findings in a structured scientific poster. A logbook is maintained for authentication and assessment purposes.
**Scientific evidence**
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