Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a project that tests the effect of meditation on emotional regulatory skills. I'm having 4th-7th graders do a 3-week meditation program and giving them and ERT test before and after. I've had no trouble finding participants for the experimental group, because parents are interested in having their children learn meditation. However, I'm not sure how to recruit participants for the control group, since I do not ave enough money to give a reward.

Do I absolutely need a control group, since the program I'm using doesn't have a significant practice effect? If I do, does anyone have any ideas for recruiting control subjects?

Thanks,

Olivia

Hi Olivia,

Yes, you are right--enrolling enough control subjects for a study is a difficult job, even when they are paid.

The subjects can act as there own controls, however, as long as they have not practiced meditation before. Just have them do the test three times before the meditation training. For each subject, average the results and check to make sure the scores are reasonably close to each other. It is necessary to repeat the test several times if possible to get a statistically accurate baseline. If you know how to use a math program or Excel, calculate the standard deviation or standard error of the individual scores. You can find out how to do this online or have a teacher show you.

You can, of course, recruit a separate group to take the test without meditation training but it can take weeks to persuade enough people to help you.

If you have more questions, post again and we will be happy to try and help.

Good luck!

Sybee