"Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation."
For this study, volunteers were randomly assigned to a meditation group (25 participants) or a control group (16 participants). The meditation group received an 8 week meditation training program. Both groups were given influenza shots and their antibodies were measured. This measurement was taken after the meditation group had been practicing meditation for about 8 weeks. The researchers also measured brain activity, but these exercises will not explore that part of the study. Participants were given psychological tests measuring positive and negative affect (mood) as well as anxiety at three time periods. Time 1 was before the meditation training. Time 2 was at the end of the 8 weeks of training, and Time 3 was 4 months later. One of the results reported is:There was a significant decrease in trait negative affect with the meditators showing less negative affect at Times 2 and 3 compared with their negative affect at Time 1.[t(20) = 2.27 and t(21) = 2.45, respectively, p < 0.05 for both]. Subjects in the control group showed no change over time in negative affect (t < 1).1. State the alternative hypothesis for each test.
(Select all that apply.)a) For volunteers who are trained to meditate, there will be an increase on average in their negative affect (mood) four months after beginning meditation. b) For volunteers who are trained to meditate, there will be a decrease on average in their negative affect (mood) eight weeks after beginning meditation. c) For volunteers who are not trained to meditate, there will be an increase on average in their negative affect (mood) over the course of four months. d) For volunteers who are trained to meditate, there will be a decrease on average in their negative affect (mood) four months after beginning meditation. e) For volunteers who are trained to meditate, there will be an increase on average in their negative affect (mood) eight weeks after beginning meditation.