Researchers wanted to determine if there was an association between the level of trauma

Problem 17AYU

Problem 17AYU

Happiness and Your Heart Researchers wanted to determine if there was an association between the level of happiness of an individual and their risk of heart disease. The researchers studied1739 people over the course of 10 years. During this 10-year period, they interviewed the individuals and asked questions about their daily lives and the hassles they face. In addition, hypothetical scenarios were presented to determine how each individual would handle the situation. These interviews were videotaped and studied to assess the emotions of the individuals. The researchers also determined which individuals in the study experienced any type of heart disease over the 10-year period. After their analysis, the researchers concluded that the happy individuals were less likely to experience heart disease. Source: European Heart Journal 31 (9):1065–1070, February 2010.

(a) What type of observational study is this? Explain.

(b) What is the response variable? What is the explanatory variable?

(c) In the report, the researchers stated that “the research team also hasn’t ruled out that a common factor like genetics could be causing both the emotions and the heart disease.” Use the language introduced in this section to explain what this sentence means.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Answer :

Step 1:  

1. The study is a cohort study. It is a type of observational study. During this period the characteristics about the individuals are recorded and sometimes individuals are exposed to certain factors. Finally the response variable is recorded. In this study, a group of 1739 people were identified for a period of 10 years. During the period the researchers interviewed people about their daily lives and hassles they face.

                            The response variable which is the risk of heart disease is recorded.

     b)  Researchers wanted to determine if there was an association between the level of   happiness of an individual and their risk of heart disease. The researchers studied 1739 people over the course of 10 years. During this 10-year period, they interviewed the individuals and asked questions about their daily lives and the hassles they face : this is an Explanatory variable.

         The researchers also determined which individuals in the study experienced any type of heart disease over the 10-year period. After their analysis, the researchers concluded that the happy individuals were less likely to experience heart disease : this is a Response variable.

 c)  This is a cross-sectional study because the researchers looked at one group of women over a short period of time. There was no matching or follow up so this is not a case control or cohort.

Step 2 of 1