1

Research Proposal

Introduction

Rationale

The relationship between sleep quality and cognitive function has garnered

increasing attention due to its relevance to mental health, productivity, and well-being.

Research in this area has shown that sleep is crucial for cognitive processes such as memory,

attention, and executive functioning. For instance, Walker and Stickgold (2006) found that

sleep directly affects memory consolidation, which is essential for learning and retaining

new information. Their findings emphasized that sleep deprivation can disrupt the memory

processing stages, leading to deficits in cognitive performance. Furthermore, Killgore (2010)

highlighted that insufficient sleep impairs decision-making, emotional regulation, and risk

assessment, suggesting that sleep is a fundamental contributor to cognitive and emotional

stability.

This study explores how sleep quality impacts cognitive performance in adults,

aiming to clarify whether better sleep can enhance mental functioning and overall well-

being. With sleep disorders becoming more common amid the stresses of modern life,

understanding this link is increasingly important. Insights from this research may inform

interventions designed to improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-

solving by promoting better sleep habits. The finding could have broader implications for

public health, suggesting that addressing sleep quality might be a key strategy to improve

mental clarity, productivity, and emotional stability across various adult populations.

Research Question

Does improved sleep quality enhance cognitive performance in adults?

Alternative Hypothesis

Improved sleep quality significantly enhances cognitive performance in adults,

compared to those with poorer sleep quality.

Methodology

Research Design

This study will use a quasi-experimental design to explore how varying levels of sleep

quality affect cognitive performance in adults. Participants will be categorized into two

groups based on their self-reported sleep quality-either good or poor-using an initial

questionnaire. These self-reports will be validated through objective measures, including

total sleep duration and frequency of nighttime disturbances, ensuring more accurate

grouping. One divide, each participant will undergo a series of standardized cognitive tests

aimed at evaluating core cognitive functions, such as memory, sustained attention, and

executive functioning skills.

By observing these groups without actively altering their sleep patterns, the study

design allows for a naturalistic examination of the effects of sleep quality on cognition,

closely reflecting real-life conditions. This approach makes the research both feasible and

ethical, as participants are not required to change their sleep habits, allowing for a more

genuine assessment of sleep’s impact on cognitive performance.

Variables

The independent variable (IV) in this study is sleep quality, defined in two conditions:

“good” sleep quality, where participants report consistent, uninterrupted sleep that meets

recommended duration, and “poor” sleep quality, characterized by irregular, disturbed, or

insufficient sleep patterns. The dependent variable (DV) is cognitive performance, measured
 3

by scores on standardized cognitive tests. These tests evaluate key cognitive functions,

including working memory, sustained attention, and problem-solving skills. By comparing

cognitive test scores between the two sleep quality groups, the study aims to assess the

impact of sleep quality on various dimensions of cognitive performance.

Tools/Materials

This study will use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to classify participants

into groups of good or poor sleep quality. The PSQI is a widely recognized tool that assesses

various aspects of sleep, such as sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), overall sleep

duration, and the frequency of sleep disturbances. By analyzing these factors, the PSQI

provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of each participant’s sleep patterns

and quality.

To measure cognitive performance, the study will employ the Cambridge

Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), a validated cognitive test suite that

includes a range of tasks specifically designed to evaluate memory, attention, and executive

functioning. CANTAB offers a standardized, reliable approach to assessing cognitive

performance across different domains, allowing researchers to gather objective, detailed

data on participants’ cognitive abilities. Together, the PSQI and CANTAB will provide a

robust framework for examining the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive

function.

Participants

Participants will consist of adults aged 18–60 recruited through convenience

sampling from a university setting. This age range is selected to minimize confounding

effects of ongoing cognitive development in younger individuals or cognitive decline in older

adults. Participants will complete the PSQI to assess their sleep quality, allowing researchers

to categorize them into high or low sleep quality groups. Those meeting the criteria for

either group will then proceed with standardized cognitive assessments. This approach

ensures a balanced sample with sufficient statistical power to analyze the relationship

between sleep quality and cognitive performance.

References:

Killgore, W. D. S (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Progress in Brain

Research, 185, 105-129.

Walker, M. P., & Stickgold, R. (2006). Sleep, memory, and plasticity. Annual Review

of Psychology, 57, 139-166.