Short Answer

Suppose another research group replicates Kanner's study design but finds a sample correlation coefficient of only +.02+.02 between daily hassles and psychological symptoms. Applying the logic of null hypothesis testing demonstrated in Kanner's study, what decision should this research group make regarding the null hypothesis, and why?

Question: Suppose another research group replicates Kanner's study design but finds a sample correlation coefficient of only +.02+.02 between daily hassles and psychological symptoms. Applying the logic of null hypothesis testing demonstrated in Kanner's study, what decision should this research group make regarding the null hypothesis, and why?

Sample answer: The research group should fail to reject (or retain) the null hypothesis. Unlike Kanner's strong correlation of +.60+.60, a very weak correlation of +.02+.02 is highly likely to occur by random chance if the null hypothesis (that there is no correlation in the population) is true. Because the sample relationship is highly compatible with the null hypothesis, there is no basis to reject it.

Key points:

  • State that the researchers should fail to reject (or retain) the null hypothesis.
  • Explain that a correlation of +.02+.02 is weak and likely to occur under the null hypothesis.
  • Contrast the likelihood of a +.02+.02 correlation with Kanner's unlikely +.60+.60 correlation to justify the decision.

Rubric: The response must apply the logic of null hypothesis testing to state that the researchers should fail to reject (or retain) the null hypothesis. It must justify this decision by explaining that a correlation of +.02+.02 is weak and therefore likely to occur even if the null hypothesis of no population correlation is true.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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