Chapter 6.2, Problem 6.46E

(a)

To determine

To explain why the experiment a blunder and identify what lurking variables may be confounded with the effect of meditation.

Explanation of Solution

 It is important to have a control in order to have a basis of comparison for your results. Otherwise, there could be lurking variables. For example, meditating may also lead to people getting more rest and this could be the real reason that they are feeling less anxiety.

(b)

To determine

To explain how this knowledge could bias the experimental conclusion.

Explanation of Solution

The researcher would expect the subjects to feel less anxious because of the meditation and this may affect how he interviews them the second time.

(c)

To determine

To discuss a proper experimental design with controls, and blind diagnosis to access the effect of meditation on anxiety level.

Explanation of Solution

A group of subjects is randomly split into two separate groups. One group will meditate and the other group will not. One interviewer will interview subjects on their anxiety levels. Then, the subjects who have been selected to meditate will do so for a month and the subjects who are not meditating will not. After a month, another interview who has not been told who was and was not meditating will reinterview the subjects.