Suppose That Two Experiments Were Conducted to Compare the Effects

question 11

Essay

Suppose that two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of two new insect repellants. In Experiment X, a simple random sample was taken from the population of River City, and the citizens were randomly assigned to repellant A and repellant B. In Experiment Y, a stratified random sample was taken from the population of River City, and the citizens were randomly assigned to repellant A and repellant B. (River City has 4 geographic areas of town, the NE, NW, SE, and SW quadrants; 100 people from each quadrant were sampled for Experiment B.) The results of the experiments were the same: fewer insects landed on the arms that had been treated with insect repellant A. (a) For each experiment, X and Y, discuss whether one can legitimately infer from each of these experiments that repellant A is better than B? Why or why not? (b) For each experiment, X and Y, discuss whether one can legitimately generalize to the population of River City from each of these experiments? Why or why not?

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Definitions:

Cultural Standards

Norms and values that are widely accepted and practiced within a specific culture or society, shaping behavior and perceptions.

Skewed Salary Range

A disparity in pay distribution where a large difference exists between the highest and lowest earners within an organization or economy.

Worker Participation

The involvement of employees in the decision-making processes of an organization, often aimed at improving morale and productivity.

Social Norms

The unwritten rules that govern the behavior of individuals within a society, influencing how they act and interact.