Question: "Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation" on the CD. 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.
One of the quotes in News Story 1 refers to the results of measuring antibodies to the influenza vaccine. It says: While everyone who participated in the study had an increased number of antibodies, the meditators had a significantly greater increase than the control group. "The changes were subtle, but statistically it was significant," says [one of the researchers]. (Kotansky, 2003)
a. Do you think it would have been fair reporting if only the first sentence of the quote had been given, without the second sentence? Explain, including what additional information you learned from the second sentence.
b. Based on this quote, what null hypothesis do you think was being tested? Make sure you use correct terminology regarding populations and samples.