A research team is investigating the effectiveness of a peer support program on reducing symptoms of depression in university students. They recruit 80 students who self-identify as experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms and randomly assign them to either a peer support group (n=40) or a waitlist control group (n=40). The peer support group meets weekly for 8 weeks, facilitated by trained peer mentors. Depressive symptoms are measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention. The researchers calculate the mean change in BDI-II scores for each group and conduct an independent samples t-test to compare the groups. The t-test reveals a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean change scores, with the peer support group showing a greater reduction in depressive symptoms. The researchers conclude that the peer support program is effective in reducing depression among university students.
a. Identify one potential limitation related to the methodology used in this study.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Psychology practice question worth 2 marks, testing your understanding of Method limitations. 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.
assumptions and limitations of investigation methodology and/or data generation and/or analysis methods
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