As part of the ANCOVA analysis, effect size estimates are generally calculated
and reported using partial eta squared (np2). These estimates allow the results of this study
to be compared to others and allow for a post hoc calculation of the power of the study.
The alpha level chosen for all statistical analyses conducted in this study was .05 (a =
.05). This level was chosen because it is the most common level observed in the literature
and it provides a reasonable level of assurance to the researcher without being overly
70
constraining. Finally, SPSS Version 12.0 for Windows was used to perform all statistical
analyses. Diagram 1 provides a general overview of the process that was followed to
conduct the ANCOVA analysis.