Case Study

Explain how the researcher would calculate and interpret both degrees of freedom values (dfBdf_B and dfWdf_W) for this study, showing how each relates to the specific components of the research design.

Case context: A clinical psychologist is comparing the effectiveness of three different therapeutic approaches (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and a Control group) on anxiety reduction. They recruit a total of 45 participants, randomly assigning 15 to each of the three groups.

Question: Explain how the researcher would calculate and interpret both degrees of freedom values (dfBdf_B and dfWdf_W) for this study, showing how each relates to the specific components of the research design.

Sample answer: For this study, the between-groups degrees of freedom (dfBdf_B) is calculated as G1=31=2G - 1 = 3 - 1 = 2, because there are 3 treatment groups (G=3G = 3). This value represents the independent pieces of information comparing the group means. The within-groups degrees of freedom (dfWdf_W) is calculated as NG=453=42N - G = 45 - 3 = 42, where N=45N = 45 is the total sample size. This value represents the independent pieces of information reflecting individual variation within the groups after accounting for the group means.

Key points:

  • Calculate dfB=2df_B = 2 based on the 3 groups (G=3G = 3)
  • Calculate dfW=42df_W = 42 based on the total sample of 45 participants (N=45N = 45) and 3 groups (G=3G = 3)
  • Explain that dfBdf_B reflects the treatment levels or groups being compared
  • Explain that dfWdf_W reflects the individual variation or sample size after accounting for groups

Rubric: The response must show calculations for both degrees of freedom (dfB=2df_B = 2 and dfW=42df_W = 42) and explain how these calculations relate directly to the number of groups (G=3G = 3) and total sample size (N=45N = 45).

0

1

Updated 2026-05-26

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related