Sample Statistics

A pair of   researchers wants to see if pet owners are generally happier or sadder than individuals without pets. In other words, does having a pet affect an individual’s mood? The researchers can’t agree on the best method for answering the research question. The researchers split up and conduct two different experiments. Below are the two experiments: Method 1 The Dr. Johnson believes that the best way to answer the research question by getting   two random samples of individuals. The first sample will consist of pet   owners and the second sample will consist of non-pet owners. Both groups are   given a mood inventory. The data are as follows: (1) Pet Owners, 10, 9, 11,   11, 9 Non Pet Owners, 15, 9, 10, 19, 15 1. Use Hypothesis testing to   determine if there are any significant differences in mood among the pet   owner and non-pet owners? Test at the .05 level of significance.

a. Step 1:   State Hypothesis

b. Step 2: Set Criteria

c. Step 3: Compute Sample Statistic

 d. Step 4: Make a decision

i. Did you reject the null/fail to reject the null  

 ii. State your conclusions

Method 2

Dr. Cunningham feels that characteristics that affect pet ownership will also affect mood. She wants to conduct an experiment holding these characteristic constant. A group of individuals without pets are selected. The subjects are given a mood inventory and then   are given a pet to take home. Six months later the subjects are asked to come   back and given the mood inventory again. The data are as follows: Pet Owners:   10, 9, 11, 11, 9 Non Pet Owners: 15 ,9, 10 ,19, 15 2. Use Hypothesis testing   to determine if there are any significant differences in mood among the pet   owner and non-pet owners? Test at the .05 level of significance.

a. Step 1:   State Hypothesis

b. Step 2: Set Criteria

c. Step 3: Compute Sample Statistic  

 d. Step 4: Make a decision

i. Did you reject the null/fail to reject the null  

 ii. State your conclusions