Introduction

The objective of this assignment is for you to understand research scenarios that concern correlation and regression. In particular, it is important that you master the components of multiple regression, such as moderation and mediation, as these techniques are regularly used within the Health Sciences. It is highly recommended that you attempt the assignment questions on a weekly basis (after completing each module) so that the information is still fresh and does not become overwhelming if you leave it to the last minute.

Recommended timeline of assignment tasks:

• Task A | after completing module 2: Correlation & regression revisited
• Task B | after completing module 3: The basic concepts of multiple regression
• Task C | after completing module 4: Part & partialcorrelations
• Task D | after completing module 5: Report writing, testing assumptions and,moderation

Note: whilst there is no task to be completed after Module 1, you should use this time to inspect the data and get a sense of the variables (you may even want to run some basic descriptive statistics on some of them!).

To successfully complete these tasks, it is highly recommended that you stay up to date with learning materials and complete the accompanying activities / questions. If you have any queries, require an extension, or any other related issues, please contact the unit convenor first.

Assessment Task

This assignment relates to the SPSS data file Assignment1.sav. The primary aim of this hypothetical study was to investigate the factors that affect relationship satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction scores range from 0 to 80, with a higher score indicating higher levels of satisfaction.

The study was conducted on a random sample of Australian adults currently in a relationship. The participants completed a series of questionnaires and inventories pertaining to demographic data and relationship data. The variables examined are described below:

TASK A (16 marks)

The research team at a large Melbourne based company has hypothesised that Australian couples who experience less conflict would generally be more satisfied with their relationship. Use the data from the Assignment1.sav data file to investigate this hypothesis. Write a brief report on your results, including an appropriate hypothesis test. Quote all relevant statistics and appendix relevant output.

Note 1: Assume all assumptions have been met
Note 2: Check the marking rubric to see how this question is graded Note 3: The report should be written in APA format.

TASK B (16 marks)

In a follow up study, the researchers decided to investigate the factors that affect years in the relationship for their sample of Australian couples. The researchers included the following predictors into their model: (1) Relationship satisfaction (2) Intimacy, and (3) Gender. Using the Assignment1.sav data file, run a multiple regression to address this scenario and answer the following questions:

1. From the raw correlations table, which of the predictors were significantly related to the dependent variable? Quote relevant statistics.
2. Give the regression equation for years in the relationship (to two decimal places).
3. Use the regression equation to predict years in the relationship for a male who has a relationship

satisfaction score of 40 and a score of 4 for their intimacy levels.

• Interpret the partial regression coefficient for intimacy.
• Which was the most important predictor in this regression? Quote relevant statistics.
• When all of the predictors are taken into account, which predictors contributed significantly to the multiple