In the study conducted by Radcliffe and Klein, what specific variables were measured to examine their statistical relationships with optimism? Outline the sample population and the primary findings regarding how these variables correlate with optimism.
Question: In the study conducted by Radcliffe and Klein, what specific variables were measured to examine their statistical relationships with optimism? Outline the sample population and the primary findings regarding how these variables correlate with optimism.
Sample answer: Radcliffe and Klein studied a sample of middle-aged adults. They simultaneously measured optimism (using the Life Orientation Test), health behaviors (such as exercise and blood pressure), knowledge of heart attack risk factors, and personal beliefs about their own risk of having a heart attack. They found that more optimistic participants were healthier (exercised more and had lower blood pressure), possessed knowledge of heart attack risk factors, and correctly believed their own risk of a heart attack to be lower than that of their peers.
Key points:
- Sample population of middle-aged adults
- Measurement of optimism, health behaviors, knowledge of risk factors, and personal risk beliefs
- Optimistic participants had healthier profiles (more exercise, lower blood pressure)
- Optimistic participants had knowledge of risk factors
- Optimistic participants correctly believed their risk of a heart attack was lower than their peers
Rubric: The response should correctly identify middle-aged adults as the sample population. It must recall the four categories of variables measured: optimism, health behaviors (or specifically exercise and blood pressure), knowledge of heart attack risk factors, and personal risk beliefs. Finally, it must recall the findings: optimistic participants exercised more, had lower blood pressure, had knowledge of risk factors, and correctly estimated their risk as lower than peers.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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