For this task, you will calculate the mean, median, and mode for a fictitious data set. These data represent the results of a fictitious study, which investigates whether a new drug (Drug A) is more effective than a placebo (i.e., an inactive substance) in the treatment of depression. The researcher is also interested in whether the effects of the drug varies by age so participants between the ages of 18-39 years were recruited (the younger adult group), and participants between the ages of 60-80 years were recruited (the older adult group). Participants were randomly assigned to either the placebo group or to the drug group (Drug A). All participants were first screened to ensure they met the criteria for depression. After 2 months of taking either the placebo or Drug A, participants returned to the lab and completed a measure of depressive symptomology called the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).
Part 1:
For the first part of this assignment, create a table showing the mean, median, and mode for each participant group and each drug condition on the score for the BDI-II. The data for each participant are contained in the “Participant Data” worksheet in the Data1 File. You may use Excel or you can calculate these values by hand. Your table should look like the following:
Younger Adults
Placebo Younger Adults
Drug A Older Adults
Placebo Older Adults
Drug A Mean Median Mode
You must have the “Data Analysis” add-in installed. Directions for this installation are provided in the “Data Analysis in Excel 2016” file located under your weekly resources. These instructions will also work for Excel 2010. This document also describes how to calculate basic descriptive statistics using Excel.
Part 2:
For this part of the assignment, create a bar chart in Excel. You will need the “Summary Data for Graph” worksheet from the Data 1 file. Remember, the bar chart shows the means for each condition rather than individual participant data, and the data in this worksheet have been organized accordingly.
For the steps regarding how to create the bar graph, review the steps in “Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2016” or “Creating a Bar Graph in Excel 2010,” located under your weekly resources. These instructions should also work with other versions of Excel.
You should copy and paste the graph you create into a Word document, along with your table showing the mean, median, and mode.
Length:1-2 pages
Your graph and table should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.