For each of the following hypothetical situations, you are to indicate which type of test statistic you should use (choosing from single sample z, single sample t, independent samples t, or paired t). Also for each, you need to indicate your rationale for selecting that particular test.
(a) A researcher wants to determine if the mean age of her 85 survey respondents is similar to the mean age of the 200 people to whom she sent the survey. Mean age of respondents=52.9 years, standard deviation of respondents=10.1 years, mean age of target group=48.2 years.
(b) A personnel director uses a survey to compare the number of self-reported “sick days” per year of the clerical staff versus the administrative staff in a particular company.
(c) A researcher wants to determine if blood pressure levels differ before and after exposure to a particular drug.
(d) An instructor wishes to conduct a study that will compare effectiveness of a new strategy for teaching introductory statistics for nursing students. Prior to implementing the new strategy the instructor conducts a statistical test to determine if the two different classes that will participate in the study (i.e., treatment and comparison classes) are comparable in their statistical knowledge.
(a) Single sample Z test:
RATIONALE: Here, the sample size = n = 85 > 30. Large sample. Sample mean = 52.9 is compared with target mean = 48.2. So, Single sample Z test is applicable.
(b) Independent samples t test
RATIONALE: Here the two samples are: Clerical staff & Administrative staff. So, Independent samples t test is applicable.
(c) Paired t test
RETIONALE: Here the same sample, blood pressure, is compared two times: before & after exposure to a particular drug. So, paired t test is applicable.
(d) Independent samples t test: Here two independent samples are: Teratment class & Comparison class. So, independent samples t test is applicable.
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