Question

1. EXPLAIN why each of the scenarios below should be analyzed as a paired samples situation or as an independent samples situation. Clearly state the correct type of situation.

a) Research lab leaders are shown applications of 25 applicants for a position as a research assistant. Each of the leaders is shown the same application twice, first with a male name attached to the application and another time with a female name attached to the application. The lab leaders have to rate each of the applications. Are male and females rated the same on average?

b) Fifty males are asked to rate a new product. Fifty females are asked to rate the same product. We want to see whether the ratings are different for males and females.

c) Heights of 30 people with one younger sibling are measured. The heights of the younger siblings are measured as well. We want to compare average height of the older siblings with that of the younger siblings.

d) Calcium level is measured for a group of healthy individuals. Calcium levels are also measured for a group of people who experience vitamin D intoxication. We want to know whether the average calcium levels are the same for both groups.

e) Ten research lab leaders are shown applications of 15 female applicants for a position as a research assistant. Other ten research lab leaders are shown applications of 15 male applicants for the same position. The lab leaders have to rate each of the applications. Were male and females rated the same on average?

Answer 1

(a) This is a paired sample situation because each of the leaders is shown the same application twice which means the subject remains the same.

(b) This is an independent sample situation because males and females are two independent subjects.

(c) This is an independent sample situation because older siblings and younger siblings are two independent subjects.

(d) This is an independent sample situation because healthy individuals and people who experience vitamin D intoxication are two independent subjects.

(e) This is an independent sample situation because 15 female applicants and 15 male applicants are two independent subjects.