OPINION ANSWER FOR MODULE 7.1

Kimbrilee Schmitz 

1 posts

Re:Module 7 DQ 1

Consider the following news headline, "Cigarette Smokers Make Lower College Grades than Nonsmokers" The news article goes on to say that researchers at a university collected information on rate of cigarette smoking (total number of cigarettes smoked in a one month period) and the college student's current GPA for completed college courses. They found that those with higher levels of cigarette use had lower GPAs, and vice versa. What can you rightfully conclude from this? Why? Be specific about what this kind of information may indicate and mean.

 

What can be concluded from this information is that people that smoke may have lower GPAs then people that do not smoke. According to the results of the study the more a person smokes in the period of a month, the lower their GPA is likely to be. This information may mean that smoking cigarettes lowers cognitive ability, thus affecting a person’s GPA. This could also indicate that cigarette smokers do not study as hard or as much as non-smokers. It could indicate that people that smoke spend time doing other behaviors rather than concentrate on their studies.

 

In nonexperimental research, such as this study, it is more difficult to account for outside variables that may affect the dependent variable. In a nonexperimental study, especially one that is done using self-reported methods, there are outlying factors that may contribute to the results that are presented (Mauro, 1990). To be able to say that cigarette smoking directly affects GPA more studies must be completed to determine that other factors are not also influencing GPA. People that smoke often engage in other risky behaviors such as drinking and partying. These other behaviors, along with smoking can affect the amount of time a person spends on their school work. Not spending time completing assignments and studying can directly affect grades (Paschall & Freisthler, 2003).

 

Reference:

 

Mauro, R. (1990). Understanding L.O.V.E. (left out variables error): A method for estimating the effects of omitted variables. Psychological Bulletin, 108(2), 314-329. Retrieved from: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=1991-00186-001&site=eds-live&scope=site

 

Paschall, M. J., & Freisthler, B. (2003). Does heavy drinking affect academic performance in college? Findings from a prospective study of high achievers. Journal Of Studies On Alcohol, 64(4), 515-519. Retrieved from:

https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2003-99619-009&site=eds-live&scope=site