The Faculty of a Psychology Department Are Trying to Decide

question 35

Essay

The faculty of a psychology department are trying to decide between three candidates for a single faculty position. The department chairperson suggests that to decide, each faculty person should rank order the candidates from 1 to 3, and the ranks would then be averaged. The candidate with the highest average would be offered the position. Mathematically, what is wrong with that proposal.

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Definitions:

Splice

The process of joining two pieces of DNA or RNA together by enzymatic or mechanical means.

Introns

Non-coding sequences of DNA within genes that are removed during mRNA processing before translation into proteins.

Signal-Recognition Particle RNA

See signal-recognition particle (SRP).

Ribosome-mRNA-Polypeptide Complex

A molecular assembly that includes a ribosome, messenger RNA (mRNA), and the newly forming polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.