Running head: Unit 4 Assignment1 ANSWER TEMPLATE 1

Unit 4 Assignment 1 Answer Template

Student Name

Capella University

Unit 4 Assignment 1 Answer Template

The following assignment includes three sections, consisting of:

  1. z scores in SPSS.
  2. case studies of Type I and Type II error.
  3. Case studies of null hypothesis testing.

Additional notes:

  • Answer in complete sentences.
  • Follow APA rules for scholarly writing.
  • Include a reference list if necessary.
  • Save your answers and upload to the assignment area for grading.

Section 1: z Scores in SPSS

A z score istypically analyzed when a population mean (µ) and population standard deviation (σ) are known. However, in SPSS, we can still calculate z scores with the grades.sav data using the sample mean (M) and sample standard deviation (s). To do this, open grades.sav in SPSS. Under the Analyze menu, select Descriptive Statistics, and then Descriptives…

You will be calculating and interpreting z scores for the total variable. As shown on the next page, move the total variable into the Variable(s) window. Select the Save standardized variables as values option and press OK.

SPSS provides descriptive statistics for totalin the Output window. SPSS also creates a new variable in the far right column of the Data Editor area labeled Ztotal. Ztotal provides a z score for each case on the total variable. You are now prepared to answer the following Section 1 questions.

Question 1

What is the sample mean (M) and sample standard deviation (s) for total?You will use these values in Question 2 below.

[Answer here in complete sentences. Replace this prompt and the prompts below, using as much space as necessary to answer questions.]

Question 2

A z score for this sample is calculated as [(X – M) ÷ s].Locate Case #53’s unstandardized total score (X)in the Data Editor. In the formula below, replace X, M, s, and ? to show how the z score in Ztotal is derived for Case #53.

(X – M ) ÷s = ?

Question 3

Run Descriptives… on Ztotal. What is the mean and standard deviation of Ztotal?(Hint: “0E7” in SPSS is scientific notation for 0). Is the mean and standard deviation what you would expect? Justify your answer.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 4

Case #6 has a Ztotal score of 1.40. What does a z value of 1.40 represent?

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 5

Identify the case with the lowest z score. Refer to Appendix A in the Warner (2013) text. Interpret the percentile rank of this z score rounded to whole numbers.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 6

Identify the case with the highest z score. Refer to Appendix A in the Warner (2013) text. Interpret the percentile rank of this z score rounded to whole numbers.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Section 2: Cases Studies of Type I and Type II Errors

Question 7

A jury must determine the guilt of a criminal defendant (not guilty, guilty). Identify how the jury would make a correct decision. Analyze how the jury would commit a Type I error versus a Type II error.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 8

An I/O psychologist asks employees to complete surveys measuring job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior. She intends to measure the strength of association between these two variables. The researcher is concerned that she will commit a Type I error. What research decision influences the magnitude of risk of a Type I error in her study?

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 9

A clinical psychologist is studying the efficacy of a new drug medication for depression. The study includes a placebo group (no medication) versus a treatment group (new medication). He then measures the differences in depressive symptoms across the two groups.

What would a Type I error represent within the context of his study? How can he reduce the risk of committing a Type I error? How does this decision affect the risk of committing a Type II error?

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Section 3: Case Studies of Hypothesis Testing

Question 10

You are running a series of statistical tests in SPSS using the “standard” criterion for rejecting a null hypothesis. You obtain the following p values.

Test #1 calculates group differences with a p value = .07.

Test #2 calculates the strength of association between two variables with a p value = .50.

Test #3 calculates group differences with a p value = .001.

For each Test below, state whether or not you reject the null hypothesis. For each test, also explain what your decision implies in terms of group differences (Test 1 and Test 3) andin terms of the strength of association between two variables (Test 2).

Test #1 (group differences) =

Test #2 (strength of association) =

Test #3 (group differences) =

Question 11

A researcher calculates a statistical test and obtains a p value of .86. He decides to reject the null hypothesis. Is this decision correct, or has he committed a Type I or Type II error? Explain your answer.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

Question 12

You are proposing a research study that you would like to conduct while attending Capella University. During the proposal, a committee member asks you to explain in your own words what you meant by saying “p less than (<) .05.” Provide an explanation.

[Answer here in complete sentences]

References

Provide references if necessary. This concludes Unit 4 Assignment 1. Save your answers and upload in the assignment area.