Branches Book

BRANCHES

14. Perform a difference of means study to determine how the average response changes across texts.

Data Analysis: If the data shows a consistent neuropsychological response to specific pieces of literature (stimuli), then a correlation can be established between the two. A statistical analysis is then necessary to determine the significance of the correlation. If the results of the analysis determine a significant correlation, then the data has supported the hypotheses. However, the control/reference values must be considered because natural variance in biological systems might falsify the data. If, however, there is no apparent and constant correlation between stimuli and bio-response, or if the statistical analysis determines that the observed correlation is not significant, then the data does not support the hypotheses. The studied variables are the six affected factors (responses). The number of treatments depend on the number of selected texts. Therefore, a simple difference of means test will determine whether a significant difference is present between the different genres and individuals. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be used to determine the difference between individuals. If both analyses are significantly correlated, then the results will support the hypotheses. Ethical Considerations: Due to the nature of this experiment, there are no ethical concerns to account for. The phenomenological observations exempt the study from monitoring by an Independent Review Board (IRB) under the Code of Federal Regulations Title 45 Part 46.101 Protection of Human Subjects Paragraph b. 10 The only ethical concern that has been expressed was the collection of confidential medical information. However, after revision of the initial project proposal, no medical data will be collected. EMOTIV affective responses are quantifications of behavior, but do not hold any medical bearing on the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Therefore, the data collected is entirely nonmedical. In addition, the collected data will be anonymized. Thus, the data will not be connected to any identity. Lastly, collected data on an encrypted, password-protected computer. This will diminish the risk of accidental and/or unauthorized dissemination of the information. Due to the phenomenological, observational, and nonmedical nature of the study, I conclude that there are no ethical concerns associated with the study.

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