Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA-01)

Question 1 (100 marks)

Research studies have consistently shown a strong association between workplace productivity, employee burnout and wellbeing. Though not a new topic, workplace productivity has garnered renewed interest ever since the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the shift to remote work arrangements, which in turn led to heightened awareness of burnout and a greater emphasis on employee wellbeing. To address these issues, companies have ramped up efforts to support their employees’ wellbeing.

PART 1 (35 marks)

A team of researchers wanted to compare the effectiveness of various types of workplace interventions in improving employees’ wellbeing and increasing productivity. They invited the Human Resource Director from 300 companies in the US to answer an online selfadministered survey via email. They received responses from 68 companies.

The data from this study can be found in HBC203_TMA01 Dataset (Part 1).csv. (For Mac users: Please use a web browser other than Safari to download the .csv file from Canvas. Otherwise, you may be unable to open the downloaded file.) Table 1 provides a brief description of each variable in the dataset.

Table 1

a) Identify the independent and dependent variables.
b) Identify the most appropriate parametric statistical test and explain why it is the most appropriate. Assume that all assumptions of the statistical test you identified are met and there are no concerns about small sample size.
c) Using Jamovi, conduct the statistical test that you identified in b) to analyse the given dataset to address the researchers’ objective. Show the Jamovi output by copying and pasting ALL the output that is necessary to interpret the results in your answer.

Note:

• The identified statistical test must be taught in HBC203.
• Use an alpha level of .05two-tailed to determine statistical significance.
• To copy the output, either take a screenshot of the output (preferred) or right click on the respective table(s) and select Copy from the dropdown menu.
  d) Report the results in APA format and interpret the results in relation to the
  researchers’ objective. Which intervention is most/more effective in increasing productivity (as measured by the percentage increase in profit between Financial Years)?

PART 2 (35 marks)

Another team of researchers in Japan conducted a similar study to address the same research objective as stated in PART 1. They obtained the work email addresses of 5 companies in the hospitality or food & beverage (F&B) industries. Then, they sent an email to all employees from these 10 companies inviting them to participate in an online self-administered survey.

The data from this study can be found in HBC203_TMA01 Dataset (Part 2).csv. (For Mac users: Please use a web browser other than Safari to download the .csv file from Canvas. Otherwise, you may be unable to open the downloaded file.) Table 2 provides a brief description of each variable in the dataset.

Table 2

e) Identify the independent and dependent variables.
f) Identify the most appropriate parametric statistical test and explain why it is the most appropriate. Assume that all assumptions of the statistical test you identified are met and there are no concerns about small sample size.
g) Using Jamovi, conduct the statistical test that you identified in b) to analyse the given dataset to address the researchers’ objective. Show the Jamovi output by copying and pasting ALL the output that is necessary to interpret the results in your answer.

Note:

• The identified statistical test must be taught in HBC203.
• Use an alpha level of .05two-tailed to determine statistical significance.
• To copy the output, either take a screenshot of the output (preferred) or right click on the respective table(s) and select Copy from the dropdown menu.

h) Report the results in APA format and interpret the results in relation to the
researchers’ objective. Which intervention is most/more effective in increasing productivity?
i) Clearly state whether both research teams in PARTS 1 and 2 obtained the same conclusion(s) from their findings. Then, discuss plausible reasons for the similar or different conclusion(s).

PART 3 (30 marks)

j) Suppose you have been tasked to conduct a study in Singapore to address the same research objective as stated in PART 1 and PART 2. Explain how you would conduct the study, including these points below:

• What are the independent and dependent variables?
• How will you measure the independent and dependent variables?
• How will you select and recruit your study participants?
• Will you collect any other data besides the independent and dependent variables?
• How will you analyse the data? State an appropriate statistical test that you
  intend to use and justify your choice. The statistical test must be taught in
  HBC203.

k) Discuss how your proposed study in j) addresses two limitations of the previous research studies (PART 1 and PART 2). For each limitation, use at least 1 academic journal article to support your discussion.