In Recent Years a Controversy Has Arisen in Major League

question 21

Essay

In recent years a controversy has arisen in major league baseball in the US. Some players have been accused of 'doctoring' their bats to increase the distance the ball travels. However, a physics professor claims that the effect of doctoring is negligible. A major league manager decides to test the professor's claim. He doctors two bats by inserting cork into one and rubber into another. He then tells five players on his team to hit a ball with an undoctored bat and with the doctored bats. The distances are measured, and are listed below. Do these data provide sufficient evidence at the 5% level of significance to refute the professor's claim? $$\begin{array} { | c | c | c | c | } \hline & & { \text { Distance ball travels (feet) } } \\\hline \text { Player } & \text { Undoctored bat } & \text { Bat with cork } & \text { Bat with rubber } \\\hline 1 & 275 & 265 & 280 \\\hline 2 & 315 & 335 & 320 \\\hline 3 & 425 & 435 & 440 \\\hline 4 & 380 & 375 & 370 \\\hline 5 & 450 & 460 & 450 \\\hline\end{array}$$

Describe the endowment effect and give examples to illustrate this concept.

Illustrate the influence of culture on self-enhancement and self-presentation strategies.

Explain the role of standards in influencing individuals' behavior and self-perception.

Describe the overjustification effect and provide examples of how external rewards can impact intrinsic motivation.

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Definitions:

Major Stressor

Any significant event or situation that causes a high level of stress or change in one's life.

Obsession

An intrusive and persistent thought, urge, or image that causes distress and can interfere with normal functioning.

Coffee Pot

A kitchen appliance used for brewing coffee by heating up water and passing it through ground coffee.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

A psychological disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities in a single individual, with changes in behavior and thinking.