Part 1:
Three research questions that could be addressed using a dependent samples t-test are:
Does a new teaching method improve students’ test scores?
Is there a significant difference in anxiety levels before and after a stress reduction intervention?
Does a new medication lead to a decrease in symptoms for patients with a specific medical condition?
For this response, I will focus on the first research question: “Does a new teaching method improve students’ test scores?”
Study description: To investigate this research question, a study can be conducted where two groups of students are randomly assigned. Group A receives traditional teaching methods, while Group B is exposed to the new teaching method. Both groups take the same pre-test to establish a baseline of their existing knowledge. After a specified period, both groups take a post-test to measure their test scores.
Null hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in test scores between students exposed to the new teaching method and those taught using traditional methods. Alternative hypothesis (Ha): The new teaching method improves students’ test scores compared to traditional teaching methods.
Type I error: A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is rejected, even though it is true. In this scenario, it would mean concluding that the new teaching method improves test scores when it actually does not. This error leads to false positive results.
Type II error: A Type II error occurs when the null hypothesis is not rejected, even though it is false. In this case, it would mean failing to conclude that the new teaching method improves test scores when it actually does. This error leads to false negative results.
Part 2:
Three research questions that could be tested using an independent samples t-test are:
Is there a significant difference in job satisfaction between employees who work remotely and those who work in-office?
Does a new weight loss program lead to more weight loss compared to an existing program?
Is there a significant difference in customer satisfaction ratings between two competing brands?
For this response, I will focus on the first research question: “Is there a significant difference in job satisfaction between employees who work remotely and those who work in-office?”
Study description: To investigate this research question, a study can be conducted where two groups of employees are selected: one group that works remotely and another that works in-office. Both groups complete a job satisfaction survey that measures various aspects of their job satisfaction. The scores from each group can then be compared using an independent samples t-test.
Null hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in job satisfaction between employees who work remotely and those who work in-office. Alternative hypothesis (Ha): Employees who work remotely have higher job satisfaction compared to those who work in-office.
Type I error: A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is rejected, even though it is true. In this case, it would mean concluding that remote employees have higher job satisfaction when they actually do not. This error leads to false positive results.
Type II error: A Type II error occurs when the null hypothesis is not rejected, even though it is false. In this scenario, it would mean failing to conclude that remote employees have higher job satisfaction when they actually do. This error leads to false negative results.
