Short Answer

A researcher is evaluating two strategies to try and increase the absolute value of their tt statistic in a one-sample tt-test. Strategy A involves refining their measurement tool to decrease the sample standard deviation (SDSD), while Strategy B involves purposefully reducing the sample size (NN) to save money. Evaluate which strategy is mathematically sound for increasing the absolute value of tt based on the formula t=Mμ0SDNt = \frac{M - \mu_0}{\frac{SD}{\sqrt{N}}}, and briefly explain why.

Question: A researcher is evaluating two strategies to try and increase the absolute value of their tt statistic in a one-sample tt-test. Strategy A involves refining their measurement tool to decrease the sample standard deviation (SDSD), while Strategy B involves purposefully reducing the sample size (NN) to save money. Evaluate which strategy is mathematically sound for increasing the absolute value of tt based on the formula t=Mμ0SDNt = \frac{M - \mu_0}{\frac{SD}{\sqrt{N}}}, and briefly explain why.

Sample answer: Strategy A is sound because decreasing the sample standard deviation (SDSD) decreases the value of the overall denominator (SDN\frac{SD}{\sqrt{N}}). Dividing the numerator by a smaller denominator yields a larger absolute tt statistic. Strategy B is incorrect because decreasing the sample size (NN) decreases the square root of NN, which causes the denominator to become larger, leading to a smaller absolute tt value.

Key points:

  • Evaluates Strategy A as mathematically effective for increasing the absolute t-value.
  • Evaluates Strategy B as ineffective or counterproductive.
  • Explains that decreasing SD makes the denominator smaller, which increases the quotient.
  • Explains that decreasing N makes the denominator larger, which decreases the quotient.

Rubric: The response should evaluate Strategy A as the correct approach and Strategy B as incorrect. It should justify this by explaining that a smaller SD reduces the denominator (increasing the overall t-value), while a smaller N increases the denominator (decreasing the overall t-value).

0

1

Updated 2026-05-27

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related