Sample interview questions: Have you conducted any longitudinal studies in experimental psychology? If so, describe the design and findings.
Sample answer:
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Longitudinal Study on the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Stress and Emotional Regulation:
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Design:
- Participants: 100 adults with moderate to high levels of stress.
- Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either an 8-week mindfulness training program or a control group.
- Duration: The study lasted for 12 months.
- Assessments: Participants completed surveys and questionnaires to measure stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation at baseline, after the intervention, and at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups.
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Findings:
- The mindfulness training group showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression at all follow-up time points compared to the control group.
- The mindfulness training group also showed improvements in emotional regulation, including increased ability to identify and manage emotions, and reduced emotional reactivity.
- The benefits of mindfulness training were sustained at the 12-month follow-up.
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Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Social Support on Resilience in Adolescents:
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Design:
- Participants: 200 adolescents aged 14-18.
- Intervention: Participants were recruited from high schools and community centers.
- Duration: The study lasted for 2 years.
- Assessments: Participants completed surveys and questionnaires to measure resilience, social support, and mental health at baseline, and at 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month follow-ups.
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Findings:
- Higher levels of social support were associated with increased resilience and better mental health outcomes in adolescents.
- The protective effects of social support were strongest for adolescents who experienced stressful life events, such as parental divorce or academic difficulties.
- The benefits of social support were sustained at the 2-year follow-up.
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Longitudinal Study on the Development of Cognitive Skills in Early Childhood:
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Design:
- Participants: 300 children aged 3-5.
- Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either a cognitive training program or a control … Read full answer
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