Peer-reviewed journal article in psychology that uses a quantitative research design.

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Analyze a peer-reviewed journal article. Select a peer-reviewed journal article in psychology that uses a quantitative research design. Provide a brief summary that highlights the main research question, what was measured and how it was measured, and the primary findings. Please discuss what methods you would use differently and what you would do as a follow-up study. Ensure that your discussion focuses on the research design (i.e., methods) and your next steps target how you would design or redesign the study if you were asked to do it.

Discuss what a budget baseline is used for. What is meant by managing the triple constraint? Discuss what is meant by budget contingency planning. Explain the pros and cons of outsource contracting.

Sample Solution

Hypothetical Article:

Title: The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Levels in College Students

Research Question: Does mindfulness meditation reduce stress levels in college students?

Measurements:

  • Independent Variable: Mindfulness meditation (measured by the number of meditation sessions attended per week)
  • Dependent Variable: Stress levels (measured using the Perceived Stress Scale)

Methods:

  • Participants: A random sample of 100 college students was recruited.
  • Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness meditation group or a control group. The meditation group attended weekly mindfulness meditation sessions for eight weeks.
  • Data Analysis: Statistical tests (e.g., t-test) were used to compare the stress levels of the two groups before and after the intervention.

Findings: The mindfulness meditation group reported significantly lower stress levels compared to the control group after the eight-week intervention.

Alternative Methods:

  • Longitudinal Design: To examine the long-term effects of mindfulness meditation, a longitudinal design could be used, following participants over a longer period.
  • Mixed Methods: Combining quantitative and qualitative data could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the participants’ experiences and perceptions of stress reduction.
  • Control for Confounding Variables: To rule out alternative explanations, additional variables, such as sleep quality or academic performance, could be controlled for.

Follow-Up Study: A follow-up study could explore the mechanisms through which mindfulness meditation reduces stress. This could involve measuring changes in brain activity, physiological markers, or psychological processes. Additionally, the study could investigate the generalizability of the findings to different populations or settings.

Budget Baseline, Triple Constraint, and Budget Contingency Planning

Budget Baseline A budget baseline is a detailed estimate of the expected costs for a project or initiative. It serves as a benchmark against which actual costs can be compared to identify variances and track progress.

Managing the Triple Constraint The triple constraint refers to the three primary factors that influence project management: scope, time, and cost. Managing the triple constraint involves balancing these factors to achieve project objectives within the desired parameters. For example, if the scope of a project increases, the time or cost may need to be adjusted to maintain balance.

Budget Contingency Planning Budget contingency planning involves setting aside a portion of the total project budget to cover unexpected costs or risks. This contingency fund can help mitigate the impact of unforeseen challenges and ensure that the project can be completed successfully.

Outsourcing Contracting: Pros and Cons Outsourcing contracting can offer several advantages, such as cost savings, access to specialized expertise, and increased flexibility. However, it also presents challenges, including potential communication difficulties, loss of control, and risks related to quality and intellectual property.

Pros:

  • Cost reduction
  • Access to specialized skills
  • Increased flexibility
  • Reduced overhead costs

Cons:

  • Communication challenges
  • Loss of control
  • Quality concerns
  • Intellectual property risks

Ultimately, the decision to outsource should be based on a careful evaluation of the project requirements, the capabilities of internal resources, and the potential benefits and risks associated with outsourcing.

 

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