Example #1: a Researcher Wishes to Examine Whether Time of Day

question 120

Short Answer

Example #1: A researcher wishes to examine whether time of day (morning versus afternoon) affects the memory of older and younger participants. He obtains a sample of 40 older individuals and 40 younger individuals and gives them a passage to read. They are later given a test over the passage (scores on the test could range from 0 to 30). Half of the individuals are randomly assigned to read the passage and take the test in the morning, and the other half do so in the afternoon. The data are reported in the table below (the numbers represent mean test scores for each group).
$$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | } \hline & \text { Marning Testing } & \text { Afternoon Testirg } \\\hline \text { Older Adults } & \boldsymbol { M } = 15 & \boldsymbol { M } = \mathbf { 8 } \\\hline \text { Yourger Adults } & \boldsymbol { M } = 16 & \boldsymbol { M } = \mathbf { 2 0 } \\\hline\end{array}$$
--Name one independent variable.
a.Is this IV manipulated or not manipulated by the researcher?
b.Does this IV represent independent groups or correlated groups?
c.How many levels does this IV have?

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Definitions:

Central Limit Theorem

A statistical theory stating that the distribution of sample means approximates a normal distribution as the sample size becomes larger, regardless of the population's distribution.

Normal Distribution

A statistical distribution where data forms a symmetrical bell-shaped curve around the mean, representing how many natural phenomena are distributed.

Attribute Inspection

An inspection that classifies items as being either good or defective.