In: Statistics and Probability
1.Below are three statements. For each statement: (i) State whether the statement is true or false. (ii) Explain your reasoning.
A. In an additive relationship, Z defines a large compositional difference across values of X.
B. Field experiments have lower external validity than do laboratory experiments.
C. Random assignment neutralizes rival explanations.
A) false
in spurios relation , the control variable, Z, defines a large compositional differences across values of the independent variable, X. Further, this compositional difference is a cause of the dependent variable Y. After holding Z constant, the empirical association between X and Y turns out to be completely coincidental- not causal at all.
in additive relationship
the control variable is a cause of the dependent variable, but defines a small compositional difference across values of the independent variable. Because the relationship between X and Z is weak, X retains a causal relationship with Y after controlling for Z. In the additive scenario, the control variable, Z, also helps to explain the dependent variable.
b)
true
A lab experiment can be classed as having higher validity than a field experiment because a lab experiment gains control of all extraneous variables which could confound the results.
c)
true