An evaluative researcher is studying the impact of mindfulness training in increasing emotional intelligence, using a comparison group design and noticed that his/her study has a higher mean gain of emotional intelligence between the treatment group and the comparison group than another study that too was studying the impact of increasing emotional intelligence using a comparison group design, while using a different scale to measure emotional intelligence. What is necessary to make a meaningful comparison of your study with the other study's findings, particularly in estimating the practical significance of your study?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to make a meaningful comparison of the two studies, it is necessary to use a measure of effect size, such as Cohen's d or Hedges' g, to estimate the practical significance of the study. This takes into account not just the magnitude of the difference between the treatment and control groups, but also the variability within each group, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the impact of the intervention. Comparing only p values, gain scores, or standard deviations would not provide an adequate basis for comparison.

An Evaluative Researcher Is Studying the Impact of Mindfulness Training