A Researcher Wants to Study the Effects of Physical Exercise

question 59

Multiple Choice

A researcher wants to study the effects of physical exercise on depression.She randomly selects a group of 24 individuals who are equally depressed.None of these individuals currently exercises.She then randomly assigns them in one of three groups: group 1 stays without exercising (sedentary group) ,group 2 exercises once a week,and group 3 exercises two times a week.Individuals in groups 2 and 3 meet with a personal trainer so they carry out a very similar exercising program,both in kinds of exercises and in intensity.After two months,the researcher has all individuals take a depression-assessment test.The score of the test goes from 0 = totally miserable to 100 = complete satisfaction. The scores are shown in the following table:
The researcher uses a Kruskal-Wallis test and a significance level α = 0.05.The appropriate decision is ______.

• A) fail to reject the null hypothesis that the three groups have different levels of depression
• B) reject the null hypothesis that the three groups have different levels of depression
• C) fail to reject the null hypothesis that the three groups have equal levels of depression
• D) reject the null hypothesis that the three groups have equal levels of depression
• E) fail to reject the null hypothesis that the sample is random

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Definitions:

Electromyograph

A diagnostic tool or instrument used to measure the electrical activity of muscles during contraction and rest.

Muscle Tension

The condition of muscles remaining semi-contracted for an extended period, often leading to muscle pain and discomfort.

Positron Emission Tomography

An imaging technique used to observe metabolic processes in the body as an aid to the diagnosis of disease.

Transcendental Meditation

A form of silent mantra meditation aimed at promoting relaxation and reducing stress.