Form a Conclusion About Statistical Significance

question 52

Essay

Form a conclusion about statistical significance. Do not make any formal calculations. Either use the results provided or make subjective judgments about the results.
Last year, the average math SAT score for students at one school was 475. The headmaster
introduced new teaching methods hoping to improve scores. This year, the mean math SAT
score for a sample of students was 481. Is there statistically significant evidence that the new
teaching method is effective? If the teaching method had no effect, there would be roughly a 3
in 10 chance of seeing such an increase. Does the result have statistical significance? Why or
why not? Does the result have practical significance?

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Definitions:

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object or system due to its position, condition, or composition.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that an object possesses due to its motion, dependent on mass and velocity.

Efficient

Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.

Catalyst

Substance that increases the rate at which a chemical reaction proceeds without being changed permanently.