Deliverable 05 Worksheet Instructions: The Following Workshe

Deliverable 05 Worksheet instructions: The following worksheet describes two examples – one is an example for independent samples and the other one for dependent samples. Your job is to demonstrate the solution to each scenario by showing how to work through each example in detail

This assignment involves solving two statistical scenarios: one using an independent samples t-test and the other using a dependent samples t-test. You are required to detail each step in the hypothesis testing process, including formulating hypotheses, determining test direction, calculating critical values and test statistics, and making decisions based on the results. Additionally, the assignment asks for a comprehensive explanation of the scientific method, a real-life problem that could be addressed through scientific inquiry, and the process of applying the scientific method to that problem. Your paper should be approximately 1000 words, formatted in APA style, including a cover page, proper headings, and citations. All responses must be in full paragraphs, clearly explaining each step of the process in your own words, with properly formatted references.

Paper For Above instruction

The application of statistical hypothesis testing is fundamental in evaluating claims within scientific research, exemplified through studies involving health interventions such as medication efficacy. This paper explores two scenarios: an independent samples t-test assessing blood pressure reductions via a new drug, and a dependent samples t-test analyzing blood pressure changes before and after administering the drug to the same subjects. Additionally, it discusses the scientific method's relevance to everyday problems, illustrating a hypothetical study on pet food preferences. This comprehensive analysis aims to demonstrate mastery in applying the scientific method and statistical hypothesis testing to real-world issues.

Scenario 1: Independent Samples t-test on Blood Pressure Reduction

Suppose a researcher seeks to determine whether a new antihypertensive drug effectively reduces systolic blood pressure. The researcher formulates hypotheses: the null hypothesis (H₀) states that there is no difference in mean blood pressure between treatment and control groups, while the alternative hypothesis (H₁) claims that the treatment group has a lower mean blood pressure. Since the interest lies in whether the drug reduces blood pressure, the test is left-tailed. Formally, H₀: μ₁ ≥ μ₂; H₁: μ₁

Next, the researcher calculates the critical value based on the significance level α = 0.01 and degrees of freedom, considering that population standard deviations are unknown. Using t-distribution tables, the critical value for a one-tailed test at this level is approximately -2.362. The test statistic is computed from sample means, sample standard deviations, and sample sizes, following the formula for independent samples:

t = (x̄₁ - x̄₂) / √(s₁²/n₁ + s₂²/n₂)

After plugging in the data, the calculated t-value is compared to the critical value. If the t-value is less than -2.362, the null hypothesis is rejected, indicating that the drug significantly reduces blood pressure at the 0.01 level.

Scenario 2: Dependent Samples t-test on Blood Pressure Before and After

In the second scenario, the same subjects' blood pressure is measured before and after administering the drug. The hypotheses are: H₀: μ_d ≤ 0 (no mean decrease), H₁: μ_d > 0 (mean decrease), where μ_d is the mean of the differences between before and after measurements. The test is right-tailed because the claim is that the drug helps lower blood pressure. The differences are calculated for each subject, and then the average difference (x̄_d) and standard deviation of differences (s_d) are used to compute the t-statistic:

t = (x̄_d - 0) / (s_d / √n)

The p-value corresponding to this t-value indicates the probability of observing such a mean difference if the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected, supporting the claim that the drug reduces blood pressure.

Applying the Scientific Method to an Everyday Problem

Consider the common issue of choosing the most effective fertilizer for a home garden. Using the scientific method, I would first identify the problem: which fertilizer leads to the best plant growth? Next, I formulate a research question: "Does fertilizer A produce taller plants compared to fertilizer B?" I then develop a testable hypothesis, such as: "Plants treated with fertilizer A will grow taller than those treated with fertilizer B."

To apply the scientific method, I would design an experiment where two groups of identical plants are treated with different fertilizers under the same conditions. I would measure plant height over a set period, ensuring all other variables (water, light, soil) are controlled. Using statistical tests (e.g., t-test), I would analyze the data to determine whether observed differences are statistically significant. If the results support the hypothesis, I can recommend the more effective fertilizer. If not, I may need to reconsider or refine the hypothesis or experimental design.

Conclusion

Understanding and applying statistical hypothesis testing within the framework of the scientific method enables researchers and individuals to make evidence-based decisions. Whether evaluating health interventions or optimizing garden practices, a systematic approach involving hypothesis formulation, data collection, statistical analysis, and conclusion ensures rigorous and meaningful results. Critical thinking about study design, limitations, and interpretation fosters scientific literacy and informed decision-making in everyday life.

References

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• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Guidance on clinical trial design and analysis. https://www.fda.gov
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• APA. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).