In: Statistics and Probability
For each of the following three questions, answer: (a) what is the IV? (b) what is the DV? (c) what are the scales of measure for each variable? (d) what are the null and alternative hypotheses (you can assume each is a two-tailed test)? An educational researcher randomly assigns fourth-grade students to receive a new after-school math program or to receive the standard after-school math program; she then measures how well they all do on a math test (where 0 indicates they got none of the questions correct).
a. The independent variable is receiving after school math program.
The dependent variable is scores in math test.
The independent variable is measured in nominal scale since the outcome is binary (either math program is received or it is not).
The dependent variable is measured in ratio scale as it is a continuous random variable.
The null hypothesis is that the average score in the math test is same for both students receiving math program and those who don't. The alternative hypothesis is that the scores are not equal.
b. The dependent variable is the height of college students.
The independent variable is the family to which a student belongs.
The dependent variable is measured in interval scale.
The dependent variable is measured in nominal scale as there are only two possible outcomes: large family and small family.
The null hypothesis is that the average height of the students coming from small family is same as large family. The alternative hypothesis is that the heights are not equal.
c. The dependent variable is the resting heart rate.
The independent variable is whether an individual is receiving the particular drug.
The dependent variable is measured in ratio scale.
The independent variable is measured in nominal scale.
The null hypothesis is that the heart rate of individuals who have been assigned to take a drug is same as for individuals who don't take the drug. The alternative hypothesis is that their heart rates are different.