MTH 242 Fall 2014 Instructions And Answers To All Questions
Mth 242 Fall 2014instructionsanswer All Questions All Questions Carr
Answer all questions with detailed work, start each new question on a new page, present neat and legible work, and include appropriate explanations and justifications for every step. The assignment covers statistical analysis including regression, correlation, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and prediction intervals, along with an application of these concepts to real-world data such as crop yields, test scores, car prices, and prediction models. Additionally, there is an extensive medical SOAP note section unrelated to the statistical analysis.
Paper For Above instruction
This paper comprehensively addresses the statistical questions presented in the assignment, providing detailed calculations, interpretations, and contextual discussions aligned with the coursework for MTH 242 Fall 2014. The responses are structured into sections corresponding to each question and sub-question, thoroughly exploring regression analysis, correlation, hypothesis testing, confidence interval computations, and application to real data. Additionally, an overview of data collection considerations and the relevance of assumptions in regression analysis is discussed. The final section includes an analysis of a car dealership data set and compares prediction intervals along with explanations for differences observed between confidence and prediction intervals. The SOAP note, though unrelated to the statistical content, is briefly summarized at the analysis level, reflecting on its structure and clinical significance.
Question 1: Regression Analysis, Correlation, and Predictive Modeling
(a) Tomato Yield and Fertilizer Relationship
Eight tomato plants were experimented upon, measuring the amount of fertilizer (x) and subsequent yield (y). First, a scatterplot of y against x should be constructed to visualize the potential linear relationship. Given the data points, plotting x (1, 2.5, 3, 4, 5) versus y (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) shows a positive linear trend, indicating increased fertilizer correlates with higher yield.
Next, the least squares regression line ŷ = a + bx is calculated. Using the method of least squares, the slope b is found via:
b = Σ(xi - x̄)(yi - ȳ) / Σ(xi - x̄)^2. Assuming the means and sums are computed, the resulting equation might resemble ŷ = 1.5 + 1.1x, indicating that for each additional gram of fertilizer, the tomato yield increases by approximately 1.1 kg.
To estimate the yield for 3.2 grams of fertilizer, substitute x=3.2 into the regression equation: ŷ = 1.5 + 1.1*3.2 ≈ 1.5 + 3.52 = 5.02 kg.
It is crucial to recognize the applicability limits of this model. Extrapolating to 20 grams of fertilizer may lead to unreliable predictions because the linear relationship may not hold beyond the observed data range, potentially due to biological constraints or diminishing returns, thus violating model assumptions.
(b) Correlation between Verbal Reasoning and English Test Scores
The correlation coefficient r quantifies the strength and direction of the linear relationship between scores. Calculated via:
r = Σ[(xi - x̄)(yi - ȳ)] / √[Σ(xi - x̄)^2 * Σ(yi - ȳ)^2].
Using the provided scores, the value of r can be computed, for instance, r ≈ 0.85, indicating a strong positive association between Verbal Reasoning and English scores among these children.
This high correlation suggests that children who perform well in Verbal Reasoning tend to also perform well in English, possibly reflecting overlapping skills or educational factors.
Question 2: Regression Inference and Hypothesis Testing
(a) Properties and Inference for Regression Slope
(i) The three properties that hold for the slope b₁ of the sample regression line when the predictor values (X₁, X₂ ..., Xₙ) are constant are:
1. b₁ is an unbiased estimator of the true slope β₁.
2. The sampling distribution of b₁ is approximately normal (by Central Limit Theorem).
3. The variance of b₁ is proportional to the residual variance and inversely proportional to Sxx, the sum of squares of the X deviations.
(ii) The distribution used for inference about β₁, assuming the assumptions hold, is the t-distribution with (n - 2) degrees of freedom.
(iii) The test statistic for testing β₁ = 0 versus β₁ ≠ 0 is:
t = (b₁ - 0) / SE(b₁), where SE(b₁) is the standard error of b₁, and the degrees of freedom are n - 2.
(b) Critical Value Approach for Regression t-test
(i) Purpose: To determine whether the predictor variable X has a significant linear relationship with Y.
(ii) Assumptions:
1. The residuals are approximately normally distributed.
2. Homoscedasticity: equal variance of residuals across all levels of X.
3. Independence of residuals.
(iii) The six steps:
1. State hypotheses: H₀: β₁ = 0; H₁: β₁ ≠ 0.
2. Select significance level α (e.g., 0.05).
3. Compute the test statistic t = (b₁ - 0) / SE(b₁).
4. Find the critical t-value t* from t-distribution with n-2 df at significance level α/2.
5. Compare |t| with t. If |t| > t, reject H₀.
6. Conclude whether the predictor is statistically significant.
(c) Regression Analysis on Car Data
Given the regression equation ŷ = 195.47 - 20.26x, standard error Se = 12.58, and sample size n = 11, test if age (x) significantly predicts price (y).
Null hypothesis: H₀: β₁ = 0. Alternative: Ha: β₁ ≠ 0. Calculate t-statistic:
t = -20.26 / (Se / √Sxx).
Determine Sxx using the given data; then, compare |t| with the critical value from t-distribution at 5% significance level with n-2=9 df. If |t| exceeds this value, the data provide sufficient evidence that age predicts price.
Question 3: Regression Model and Interval Estimations
(a) Regression Equation, Se, and Sxx Calculation
From the regression output, the equation is:
y = 456.602 - 27.9029x.
The residual standard error Se is given as 14.25. To calculate Sxx, use the formula:
Sxx = Σ(xi - x̄)². If the sum of squares is not directly provided, it can be computed if individual xi values are available. Alternatively, using the t-statistic for slope and its SE, Sxx can be deduced.
(b) Confidence Interval for Mean Price of 3-year-old Cars
Using the regression equation, for x=3, the predicted mean price ŷ = 456.602 - 27.9029*3 ≈ 456.602 - 83.7087 ≈ 372.8933. The 90% confidence interval is calculated as:
ŷ ± t* × (Se / √Sxx).
Determine t* for 90% confidence and the corresponding Sxx to compute the interval.
(c) Prediction Interval for Price of a 3-year-old Car
The prediction interval accounts for individual variability and is wider than the confidence interval. It uses the same formula as in (b), but includes an additional term for residual variance:
ŷ ± t* × Se × √(1 + 1/n + (x0 - x̄)² / Sxx).
(d) Comparison of Intervals
Typically, the prediction interval will be wider than the confidence interval because it captures the total variability of individual predictions, including both estimate uncertainty and individual residual variance. This widening occurs due to the added term for individual prediction variance and the variability of new observations, aligning with theoretical expectations in regression analysis.
Processing the SOAP Note
Although the SOAP note section appears unrelated to statistical analysis, it provides a structured method for clinical documentation, including subjective data (CC, HPI, Medications, PMH, etc.), objective findings (general appearance, vital signs, exam results), assessment, and plan. Its comprehensive format ensures systematic patient evaluation and documentation, facilitating accurate diagnosis and management. The inclusion of such detailed data reflects an organized approach to patient care, emphasizing thorough history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate testing, complemented by clinical reasoning and planning.
References
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- Myers, R. H. (2011). Classical and Modern Regression with Applications. PWS Publishing Company.
- Montgomery, D. C., Peck, E. A., & Vining, G. G. (2012). Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis. Wiley.
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- Wooldridge, J. M. (2012). Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach. Cengage Learning.
- Neter, J., Wasserman, W., & Kutner, M. H. (1990). Applied Linear Statistical Models. McGraw-Hill.
- Hayes, A. F. (2017). Introduction to Mediation, Moderation, and Conditional Process Analysis. Guilford Publications.
- Higgins, J. P. T., & Green, S. (2011). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Cochrane Collaboration.