Research Methods / Pre-Thesis Update 2/10/13

         As can only be expected, my pre-thesis research has taken many turns and changes throughout the course of the semester thus far.  I suspect that it will continue to do so as I further refine what it is exactly that I want to research, and more specifically how to go about testing / measuring it.  So, here is the latest configuration.
          Part 1 - A test will be conducted to measure GROUP A (general population) and GROUP B (terminal cancer patients) existential anxiety via EAQ (Existential Anxiety Questionnaire).
          Part 2 - The emotion most correlated with suicidality is not depression.  It is hopelessness.  Furthermore, both group will be given two other examinations:  the Beck Hopelessness Scale and a Quality of Life Inventory.
          Part 3 - The study will conclude with a correlational analysis of the studies and groups involved.    For example, analysis of the following comparrisons:

• Group A vs Group B - Existential Anxiety
• Group A vs Group B - Hopelessness Scale results
• Group A vs Group B - Quality of Life results
• Existential Anxiety (total results) vs Hopelessness Scale results (total)
• Existential Anxiety (total results) vs Quality of Life results (total)
• Hopelessness Scale results (total) vs Quality of Life results (total)

Early assumptions - In the very, very, very early states of this research, there are still some hypotheses that are floating around in my head.

1. Group B will have a higher level of existential anxiety than Group A.
2. Group B may also have higher scores on Quality of Life results.
3. Existential anxiety and Hopelessness will have a positive correlation but the strength of the correlation may vary.
4. Hopelessness Scale scores and Quality of Life scores will have a strong negative correlation.

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