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:

Technological Development

The process of research, innovation, and diffusion of technology or processes that lead to the development of new or improved technological solutions.

Power Elite

A theory that a small group of people, often from the political, military, and economic sectors, hold the majority of power in society.

Class Consciousness

The awareness and understanding that individuals have of their place in a class system, including the interests and struggles associated with their class position.

Conflict Theory

A perspective in sociology that emphasizes the social, political, or material inequalities of a social group, critiquing the broad socio-political system.