Participants Are Told, "Hospital a Has an Average of 45

question 34

Multiple Choice

Participants are told, "Hospital A has an average of 45 births per day; Hospital B has an average of only 15 births per day." The participants are then asked, "Which hospital is more likely to have a day in which at least 60% of the babies born are female?" In answering the question, participants

• A) seem insensitive to the fact that departures from the average case are more likely with a small sample.
• B) seem insensitive to the fact that departures from the average case are more likely with a larger sample.
• C) correctly realize that departures from the average case are not dependent on hospital size.
• D) answer in a fashion governed by the law of small numbers.

---

Definitions:

Interpret Sentences

The cognitive process of understanding the meaning of phrases and clauses in language.

Effortful

Pertaining to an action requiring considerable mental or physical effort.

Online

Connected to or available through the internet or a computer network.

Garden Path Sentences

Sentences that lead readers to misinterpret the first part, requiring a reevaluation for understanding.