A group of researchers studying the effects of exercise on stress levels hypothesize that a higher level of physical activity will result in a lower level of stress. Which of the following describes a theory-driven approach to data analysis in this instance?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A theory-driven approach to data analysis would involve testing a specific directional hypothesis based on the researchers' hypothesis and prior knowledge. In this case, the hypothesis is that a higher level of physical activity leads to a lower level of stress, which is a one-tailed hypothesis. Therefore, the best choice is B, one-tailed hypothesis testing. Two-tailed hypothesis testing would be appropriate if there was no directional hypothesis (i.e. physical activity has some effect on stress, but the direction is not specified). Statistical exploration and data mining are more exploratory approaches to analysis that do not involve testing a specific hypothesis.

A Group of Researchers Studying the Effects of Exercise on Stress