Question

For each of the following examples, identify the independent and dependent variables and indicate whether the research involves the use of descriptive or inferential statistics. Justify your answer (explain!).

a) A researcher wants to determine how the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) affects the number of unemployed people in Canada.

b) Researchers are trying to understand whether students’ opinions about the quality of food at the cafeteria varies with their ages based on results from a sample of 100 students.

c) A researcher is trying to figure out if the incidence of breast cancer in Alberta is influenced by CO2 emissions from the oil sands.

d) A researcher is conducting a study to determine if men and women rate the quality of a new automobile differently, gathered from 1,000 new buyers.

e) University administrators want to know whether average GPAs differ across student majors (e.g., sociology, math, or history) based on total student records at the U of A

Answer 1

(a) Independent variable: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Dependent variable: the number of unemployed people

Here the research involves inferential statistics (because it is based on sample).

(b) Independent variable:ages of students

Dependent variable: quality of food at the cafeteria

Here the research involves inferential statistics (because it is based on sample).

(c) Independent variable: CO2 emissions from the oil sands

Dependent variable: incidence of breast cancer

Here the research involves inferential statistics (because it is based on sample).

(d) Independent variable: Gender

Dependent variable: the quality of a new automobile

Here the research involves descriptive statistics.

(e) Independent variable: Majors

Dependent variable: average GPAs

Here the research involves inferential statistics (because it is based on sample).