Question

For each scenario listed on the left, determine whether the scenario represents an Indepenent Samples or Matched pairs situation by placing the appropriate letter in the box provided.

Comparing pain levels of a group receiving a placebo to a group receiving a medicine

Comparing pain levels before and after treatment with magnetic therapy

Comparing the number of speeding tickets received by men to the number received by women

Comparing pre-test scores before training to post-test scores Independent Samples Matched Pairs

A) Independent Samples

B) Matched Pairs

Answer 1

i) Comparing pain levels of a group receiving a placebo to a group receiving a medicine.

Here, we compare the pain levels of two different groups. Hence, there are two different independent samples.

Answer : A) Independent Samples

ii)Comparing pain levels before and after treatment with magnetic therapy

Here, we compare the pain levels of the same patient before and after treatment. Therefore, the samples are dependent.

Answer : B) Matched Pairs

iii)Comparing the number of speeding tickets received by men to the number received by women

Here, there are two independent samples, men and women.

Answer :  A) Independent Samples

iv)Comparing pre-test scores before training to post-test scores.

Here, we compare the scores of the same individual before and after training.

Answer :  B) Matched Pairs