To Study the Effects of Physical Discomfort on Attention, Dr

question 50

Essay

To study the effects of physical discomfort on attention, Dr. Lopez conducted the following study: A group of participants were required to keep one hand submerged in cold water (52 degrees). Half of the participants kept their hand in the water for 2 minutes, and half of the participants kept their hand in the water for 4 minutes. In addition, half of the participants were given a placebo pill and told it would reduce the pain of the water (pain relief assumed). The other half were given a placebo pill and told that it would have no effect (no pain relief assumed). While their hands were in the water, participants were asked to watch a video where a ball is quickly passed between and underneath three cups. At the end of the video, participants were asked to indicate under which cup the ball could be found. Whether or not the participant picked the correct cup was recorded (as a measure of whether they were paying attention). The results are below.

Using the marginal means, state whether it appears that the main effects in Dr. Lopez's study are important. (You do not need to say whether the main effects are statistically significant but simply whether a difference appears to exist.)

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Definitions:

Tyramine

A chemical that, if allowed to accumulate, can raise blood pressure dangerously. It is found in many common foods and is broken down by MAO.

MAO Inhibitors

A class of medications used to treat depression by preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, thus increasing their levels.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotion, sleep, and appetite, often referred to as the "feel-good" chemical.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the body's fight or flight response, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism.