Assignment 2: Practitioner Process Project Evaluation 170149

Assignment 2 Practitioner Process Project Evaluation Of Product Rese

Assignment 2: Practitioner Process Project: Evaluation of Product Research Scenario : The Slender-soda company marketed its soft drink on the basis that it would help reduce weight. A lawsuit followed, claiming that Slender-soda's campaign was misleading because it was based on a single, short-term study that was funded by Slender-soda. The study participants were relatively lean (average body mass index [BMI] of 22), while the majority of Americans are not (a body mass index [BMI] of 25 or more according to the lawsuit) and, thus, would not be likely to lose weight by drinking the product. Slender-soda representatives believe in their product and are eager for additional research to be done that will provide strong evidence that their product will help reduce weight.

To that end, Slender-soda has issued a call for proposals to continue to empirically test the weight-loss efficacy of its product. Directions : Assume you are submitting a proposal to test the efficacy of Slender-soda's weight-loss product. In your proposal, analyze the original study's research design. Make sure your analysis includes a discussion of the original study's reliability, validity, vulnerability to bias, and any additional ethical concerns you might have with the original research. Propose a new study to test the efficacy of Slender-soda's weight-loss product.

Include the following information in your proposal: Explain whether your proposed study will be qualitative or quantitative in nature. Provide a justification for your choice. State your research question. If appropriate, develop your hypothesis statements (null and alternative). If hypothesis statements are not appropriate for your proposed study, explain why.

Discuss your target population and sampling plan. Explain how you will seek to establish reliability for your research project. Explain how you will seek to establish validity for your research project. Explain how you will seek to minimize bias in your research project. Use the following headings to organize your proposal document: Analysis of the original Slender-soda research project Proposed research design Problem statement Proposed research question Proposed hypothesis Proposed target population and sample(s) Delimitations Definition of terms Assumptions Establishment of reliability and validity Data Data collection method Minimization of bias Your final product should be a Microsoft Word document approximately 6–8 pages in length, utilizing a minimum of six scholarly sources.

Make sure you employ proper grammar and spelling and apply current APA standards for writing style to your work. Submission Details: By Wednesday, January 27, 2016 , save your report into a Microsoft Word document as M3_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc and submit it to the M3 Assignment 2 Dropbox .

Paper For Above instruction

The evaluation of the original research conducted by Slender-soda warrants a comprehensive analysis to understand its strengths and weaknesses, particularly concerning its research design, reliability, validity, potential biases, and ethical implications. Subsequently, a proposal for a rigorous, well-designed follow-up study will be presented to empirically test the product’s efficacy, ensuring scientific integrity and ethical responsibility.

Analysis of the original Slender-soda research project

The original study conducted by Slender-soda appears to be a short-term, possibly experimental research focusing on the effects of their soft drink on weight loss in lean individuals. The design's primary weakness lies in the sampling process, as participants were relatively lean, with an average BMI of 22, which limits the generalizability of findings to the broader population. Moreover, funding by the company introduces a potential conflict of interest, jeopardizing the objectivity of the results. The reliability of the study could be compromised if measurements or procedures are not standardized; however, lacking detailed information makes this assessment difficult. Validity is also questionable because the study’s external validity is limited due to its participants’ BMI and short-term nature, which does not capture long-term effects or applicability to overweight or obese populations.

Biases are evident, particularly selection bias, as participants were not representative of the general population, and potentially funding bias, considering the sponsor's financial interest. Ethical concerns involve the transparency of reporting, participant consent, and whether the short-term study sufficiently addresses potential risks or unintended consequences. These limitations underline the need for a more robust, ethically sound research design that can deliver conclusive, generalizable evidence.

Proposed research design

The proposed study will be quantitative in nature, employing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology. This approach is justified because RCTs are considered the gold standard for testing causality in efficacy studies, minimizing bias and confounding variables. Quantitative data will facilitate statistical analysis to determine the significance of outcomes and the efficacy of the product.

The study's objective is to measure weight change among participants over a specified period, using precise metrics such as BMI, body fat percentage, and weight. Random assignment to intervention and control groups, with blinding where feasible, will enhance the internal validity of the experiment.

Problem statement

Existing evidence from preliminary studies is insufficient to establish the efficacy of Slender-soda for weight loss across diverse populations, particularly those with higher BMIs. The current marketing claims lack support from methodologically robust research, necessitating a scientifically rigorous investigation to confirm or refute the product’s purported benefits.

Proposed research question

Does regular consumption of Slender-soda lead to significant weight loss compared to a placebo in overweight and obese adults over a 12-week period?

Proposed hypotheses

  • Null hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in weight loss between participants consuming Slender-soda and those consuming a placebo.
  • Alternative hypothesis (H1): Participants consuming Slender-soda will experience significantly greater weight loss than those consuming a placebo.

If the study design involves non-experimental methodology, such as observational cohorts, hypotheses may not be appropriate; however, in an RCT, these hypotheses are standard and essential for statistical testing.

Proposed target population and sample(s)

The target population includes overweight and obese adults aged 18-50, with a BMI of 25 or higher. A randomized sample will be recruited from local clinics, community centers, and via online advertisements. Stratified random sampling will ensure balanced representation across age groups, genders, and BMI ranges, improving external validity.

Delimitations

The study will focus on adults with a BMI of 25-35, excluding individuals with significant health conditions or on weight-affecting medications to maintain internal validity and safety.

Definition of terms

BMI (Body Mass Index): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

> Efficacy: The ability of Slender-soda to produce a desired weight loss effect in the target population.

Assumptions

Participants will adhere to study protocols, including consumption schedules and lifestyle recommendations, and will report accurately during follow-ups.

Establishment of reliability and validity

Reliability will be established through standardized measurement protocols, calibrated equipment, and consistent data collection procedures. Validity will be ensured by using validated measurement tools, blinded assessments, and a randomized controlled trial design to infer causality.

Data

Data will include anthropometric measurements (weight, BMI, body fat percentage), dietary intake logs, and physical activity levels, collected at baseline and at regular intervals throughout the study.

Data collection method

Quantitative data will be collected via direct measurements using calibrated scales and bioelectrical impedance for body composition, complemented by self-reported dietary and activity logs. Data collection will occur at baseline, mid-point, and end of the 12-week period.

Minimization of bias

Blinding participants and researchers to group assignments, employing standardized protocols, and utilizing objective measurement tools will reduce observer and selection bias. Randomization procedures will further minimize biases related to group allocation.

Conclusion

Implementing a rigorous, ethically sound RCT will generate robust evidence to either substantiate or refute Slender-soda’s weight-loss claims. Addressing the limitations of the initial study, this proposed research aims to provide clear, generalizable results that can inform marketing practices and consumer decision-making while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity.

References

  • Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2016). Handbook of Self-Regulation: Research, Theory, and Applications. Guilford Publications.
  • Bradburn, N. M., & Sudman, S. (2013). Asking Questions: A Practical Guide to Questionnaire Design. Jossey-Bass.
  • Fletcher, R., & Fletcher, S. (2012). Clinical Epidemiology: The Essentials. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Greenhalgh, T. (2014). How to read a paper: The basics of evidence-based medicine. BMJ Publishing Group.
  • Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2011). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Kirk, R. E. (2012). Experimental Design: Procedures for the Behavioral Sciences. Sage Publications.
  • Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Smith, G. T. (2010). Designing and Conducting Research in Health and Human Performance. Human Kinetics.
  • Trochim, W. M., & Donnelly, J. P. (2008). Research Methods Knowledge Base. Cengage Learning.
  • Wang, R., et al. (2018). Scientific Research Methodology in Clinical Trials. Journal of Clinical Research Design & Methodology, 14(2), 124-132.

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