What This Document Is
This document is a term paper completed for PSY 350: Research Design and Analysis II at Colorado State University. It presents the results of a research study investigating the effects of Best Possible Self (BPS) and gratitude interventions on distress levels, and whether supportive versus neutral responses impact those effects.
Why This Document Matters
This paper is intended for the instructor of PSY 350 to assess a student’s ability to conduct and report on quantitative research. It demonstrates skills in data analysis, statistical testing, and interpretation of findings within a psychological research context. It serves as a culminating assignment for the course, showcasing the application of research methodologies learned throughout the semester.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This is a single student’s work and represents one specific research project. It is not a comprehensive review of the literature or a definitive statement on the effectiveness of these interventions. It focuses on a specific sample and methodology, and its findings may not generalize to other populations or contexts.
What This Document Provides
The full paper includes a detailed description of the study’s sample characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, residential status), descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and the results of independent samples and omnibus tests. It outlines the hypotheses tested, the statistical methods used (including Scheffe’s post hoc test), and a discussion of whether the results supported the initial predictions. Tables summarizing key data are referenced. This preview does *not* include the full statistical tables, the introduction or literature review sections, or a complete discussion of the study’s limitations.
