Abstract
A true experiment researching the possible effect between the conditions prerecorded and therapist administration of HRV(Biofeedback). The result of no significant difference between these conditions made it impossible to reject the null hypothesis.
Modern research exploring the use of computer programed virtual persons’ interaction with humans has just begun. Research has shown that Avatars (computer programed AI) interaction with clients has a shown an increasing willingness to disclose sensitive information (Gratch, 2007). This new technology could be used in combination with multiple different application. Specifically, one intervention form that could be used with this technology is HRV(Biofeedback). This intervention is used to help individuals reduce levels of stress, anxiety and pain. Furthermore, it is used in performance orientated fields such as elite athletes, musicians and entertainers.
However, is there a difference in the effects of administration of prerecorded version of Biofeedback versus the traditional administration of Biofeedback? This thesis will try to explore this question, by constructing a true experiment. This will include independent variables that will be manipulated with. There will be three levels: prerecorded audio variable, therapist variable and control variable. The control variable is in place to ensure that an actual effect is being recorded. The dependent variable will be measured in what McCraty referees to as coherence score. (McCraty,2001)
Repeated measure design is being used in this master thesis, a population of 20 was recruited and the ANOVA test found significant effect. The post hoc test found for the conditions that a significant effect existed between control variable and prerecorded audio and control variable and therapist variable. However, I could not reject the first null hypothesis due to no significant difference between prerecorded and therapist. The experience from the experiment shows that there is a possibility of measuring an effect between prerecorded audio and therapist administrated. The power analysis and effect size suggest recruiting a much larger sample size for future replication of this experiment.