Question

On the basis of an extensive survey, the California Department of Education reported
an r of –.32 for the relationship between the amount of time spent watching TV and
the achievement test scores of schoolchildren. Each of the following statements represents
a possible interpretation of this finding. Indicate whether each is True or False.
(a) Every child who watches a lot of TV will perform poorly on the achievement tests.
(b) Extensive TV viewing causes a decline in test scores.
(c) Children who watch little TV will tend to perform well on the tests.
(d) Children who perform well on the tests will tend to watch little TV.
(e) If Gretchen’s TV-viewing time is reduced by one-half, we can expect a substantial
improvement in her test scores.
(f) TV viewing could not possibly cause a decline in test scores.

Answer 1

The relationship between the amount of time spent watching TV and the achievement test scores of schoolchildren is represented by correlation coefficient r = -0.32

Since the value is negative there is opposite relationship among the two and also the relationship is weaker.

(a) False, This relationship is in general so we can't say that it holds for evey child

(b) True, since the value of r = -0.32

(c) False, since we can't generalized the statement.

(d) False, given value of r doesn't mean that children who perform well watch less TV

(e) True, Performance is expected to improve if less time is devoted in TV

(f) False, TV is causing decline in performance.