Research and statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research and statistics - Essay Example This study would require a random probabilistic sample of patients. Those eligible for participation would be receiving treatment for only one form of cancer, such as breast cancer. The less homogeneity of the IV (i.e. cancer) would help control for a normal population, as well as allow for wider generalisation of the results. The first two items are on Likert scales to provide an indication of the strength of the response. The third item is categorical, and although the level of measurement is low, the data will provide control variables when items 1 and 2 are correlated. Finally, the open question will show patients that their opinions and experiences are valued, and allow them to write in an un-restricted manner. The investigator will have two RAs analyse the texts to determine key themes, and their conclusions will be analysed using inter-rater reliability. The investigator will then draw conclusion from the final themes selected. A random probabilistic sample would be used to recruit the 80 students from a given university. All undergraduates in medicine degrees would be eligible to take part, across genders, ethnicities and ages. The sample will also be stratified by activity habits, with those who regularly take part in 30 minutes or more of structured exercise a day in one group, and those who don't in another. However, to be recruited each student must meet the selection criteria: they do not experience a heart condition; they are not asthmatic; and they are physically able to navigate eight flights of stairs without assistance. Materials A heart rate arm-cuff, which will be calibrated after each participant had had his or her pulse rate recorded. An isolated stairwell