RESULTS

Methods & Results

PSY-520 Research Methods II

Judy Fahle

Instructor Michelle Vallie

August 13, 2023

Methods:

The review is an overview put together examination project directed with respect to the

Qualtrics stage; a device upheld by Southern New Hampshire College (SNHU). The overview

intends to quantify a singular's degree of suggestibility. The information gathered from this study

will be utilized to test a particular speculation. The choice of members is completed by a group

of current web-based brain research graduate understudies through the SNHU online program.

Participants were recruited through the Student Lounge at SNHU connect. In this survey

environment produced using the Qualtrics program platform created an anonymous link for

participants to enter and participate in the quick survey to determine the literature hypothesis tha

every individual has a degree of suggestibility to their nature which can influence an individual

in the pursuit and creation of the networks. For this study we engaged eight individuals to

participate in this research exercise.

Participants.

The selection of participants is carried out by a team of current online psychology

graduate students through the SNHU Online Studies program. This ensures that all participants

are selected in a fair and unbiased manner. Privacy and Ethics The study is designed to respect

the privacy and confidentiality of the participants. The only identifying marker collected is the IP

address associated with the student's gender. No other personal or demographic information is

collected. This is in line with the "Common Rule" of the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services Ethics Guidelines for human subjects involved in research. The U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services has set forth regulations regarding research involving human

subjects, particularly clauses involving privacy. These regulations are strictly adhered to in this

study. Note: The study is primarily an educational tool and not intended to infringe on the
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privacy or rights of the participants. In conclusion, the study is designed to be ethical, respectful

of privacy, and beneficial to the participants as an educational tool.

Materials:

The study is a survey-based research project conducted on the Qualtrics platform; a tool

supported by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The survey aims to measure an

individual's level of suggestibility. The data collected from this survey will be used to test a

specific hypothesis. The survey is designed and managed on Qualtrics, which allows participants

to engage quickly. After the survey's completion, a specific link was shared in the Psychology

Student Lounge at SNHU, enabling current graduate students to participate voluntarily. The

survey includes questions about the extent to which participants were influenced to join a

network and the factors that led them to do so. The hypothesis of this study will be tested by

examining these factors. The study adheres to the ethical standards set by the American

Psychological Association (APA) and complies with federal regulations outlined in 45 CFR 46

Subpart A, also known as the Common Rule. This rule pertains to the conduct of research

involving human subjects. This study is an educational tool that explores some of the

fundamental principles and guidelines related to internet-based studies using human subjects. It's

important to note that all participants in this study have opted in voluntarily, ensuring the ethical

integrity of the research.

Methodological Procedures:

The Multidimensional Iowa Suggestibility Short Scale (MISS) is a psychological tool

used to measure an individual's susceptibility to suggestions. It is a shortened version of the

original Iowa Suggestibility Scale (ISS), which was designed to measure five dimensions of

suggestibility: consumer, physiological, persuadability, physiological reactivity, and peer

conformity. The MISS has been validated through several studies and has shown to have good

internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It has been found to be a reliable measure of

suggestibility across different populations and contexts. Comprehensive: The MISS covers a

wide range of suggestibility dimensions, making it a comprehensive tool for assessing

suggestibility. Short and Efficient: As a shortened version of the ISS, the MISS is more efficient

and less time-consuming for participants to complete. Versatile: The MISS can be used in

various research contexts, including psychology, marketing, and social sciences. Compared to

other suggestibility scales, the MISS has several advantages. For instance, the Gudjonsson

Suggestibility Scale (GSS) focuses primarily on interrogative suggestibility, making it less

comprehensive than the MISS. The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS), on the other

hand, measures hypnotic suggestibility, which is a specific aspect of suggestibility not covered

by the MISS. In conclusion, the MISS is a valid and versatile tool for measuring suggestibility. It

offers a comprehensive assessment of suggestibility, making it a valuable tool for researchers in

various fields.

Results:
The suggestibility survey hypothesis posits that individuals are indirectly influenced by

suggestions, which can impact their behavior, decisions, and relationships. This concept is

particularly relevant in the context of network creation, where the people we connect with and

the relationships we form can be influenced by subtle suggestions. Indirect suggestibility refers

to the susceptibility of individuals to be influenced by indirect or subtle suggestions, rather than

explicit instructions or commands. The use of the MISS assessment tool allowed for the

hypothetical research question concerning whether indirect suggestibility plays a part in

influencing an individual’s creation of their networks.

Raw Data:

The use of the MISS to register the suggestibility of the participants of the survey was

essential to score the survey to register the presence of an individual’s level of indirect

suggestibility in the creation of their networks. The MISS assessment tool scores suggestibility

on Likert five-point scale and proven validity demanded that my raw data not be reduced before

analysis to record a accurate measurement of the influence degree involved in an individual’s

creation of their networks.

Descriptive Statistics:

Gender
Statistic Sex 1 Network 3
2

Mean 4.5 3.7 4.2

Median 4 4 4

Mode 5 3 4

Range 3 4 3

Variance 1.44 1.21 1.32

SD 1.2 1.1 1.15

The mean response to Question 1 was 4.5 (SD = 1.2), indicating that respondents

generally agreed with the statement. The median response was 4, and the mode was 5. The range

of responses was 3, with a variance of 1.44. Analysis of the data reveals a measure of indirect
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suggestibility has an impact upon the data set showing there is a measurable level of

suggestibility in the influence of network creation.

Sex 1 has a mean of 4.5, indicating that the average value of this variable is 4.5. The

median is 4, suggesting that the middle value in the data set is 4. The mode is 5, which is the

most frequently occurring value. The range of 3 shows the difference between the highest and

lowest values. The variance of 1.44 and standard deviation (SD) of 1.2 provide measures of the

dispersion or spread of the data points.

Gender 2 has a lower mean of 3.7, a median and mode of 4 and 3 respectively. The range is

slightly higher at 4, indicating a wider spread of data. The variance and SD are lower than Sex 1,

suggesting less dispersion in the data.

Network 3 has a mean of 4.2, median and mode of 4, and a range of 3, like Sex 1. However, the

variance and SD are slightly lower, indicating less dispersion compared to Sex 1 but more than

Gender 2.

Statistical Test:

Using the measures of central tendency, it statistically measured that a single value as

representative of an entire distribution. and used to find the central value or the average value of

the data. Measures of Variability, also known as measures of dispersion, are used to describe the

spread or the dispersion of a set of data. A T-tests was used in the statistical analysis to

determine whether there was a significant difference between the means of two variables of sex

and gender. For example, it can be used to compare the mean scores of two different age or

gender groups to see if they are significantly different from each other. Multiple regression was

used to perform statistical analysis that aims to predict the outcome of a dependent variable
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based on the value of the two or more independent variables. For example, it can be used to

understand how age and gender (independent variables) affect suggestibility (dependent

variables). In a multiple regression model, each independent variable is separately tested to

determine how much variance it explains in the dependent variable. The model also tests the

combined effect of all independent variables to see how much of the variance in the dependent

variable they explain together.

Findings:

Validity of Indirect Suggestibility

Indirect suggestibility refers to the influence that is not directly apparent or consciously

recognized by the individual. It can play a significant role in shaping an individual's creation of

networks, as it can subtly guide their choices and preferences.

Factors Influencing Individual Creation of Networks

1. Personal Preferences: These are shaped by an individual's personality, interests, and

values.

2. Social Influence: This includes both direct and indirect suggestibility.

3. Environmental Factors: These include the individual's physical surroundings and

cultural context.

Concluding the Results

When concluding the results of the use of the MISS assessment tool, it's important to

consider the following:

1. Validity: The MISS tool has been validated in numerous studies, indicating that it is a

reliable measure of suggestibility.

2. Influence on Network Creation: If high levels of suggestibility are found, it can be

inferred that the individual's network creation is likely influenced by the opinions and

behaviors of others.

3. Limitations: The MISS tool primarily measures suggestibility in children, so results may

not be directly applicable to adults. Additionally, it measures direct rather than indirect

suggestibility.

In conclusion, the MISS assessment tool can provide valuable insights into the role of

suggestibility in an individual's creation of networks. However, it's important to consider other

factors and influences as well, and to be aware of the tool's limitations.