A Researcher Would Like to Determine Whether an Over-The-Counter Cold

question 26

Essay

A researcher would like to determine whether an over-the-counter cold medication has an effect on mental alertness.A sample of n = 16 participants is obtained,and each person is given a standard dose of the medication one hour before being tested in a driving simulation task.For the general population,scores on the simulation task are normally distributed with μ = 60 and σ = 8.The individuals in the sample had an average score of M = 56.5.
a.Can the researcher conclude that scores on the driving simulation task are significantly different after taking the medication? Use a two-tailed test with α = .05.
b.Can the researcher conclude that scores on the driving simulation task are significantly lower after taking the medication? Use a one-tailed test with α = .05.
c.Compute Cohen's d to measure the size of the effect.

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Definitions:

Predictor Variable

In statistical analysis, it is a variable that is utilized to predict the score of another variable, often referred to as the outcome or dependent variable.

Criterion Variable

The dependent variable in an experimental design, which is influenced or predicted by other variables.

Mediator Variable

A variable that explains the mechanism through which an independent variable influences a dependent variable in a causal relationship.

Predictor Variable

A variable, often designated as the independent variable, that is used to make predictions about (or is assumed to cause) changes in another variable.