Aimathic
Login | English | Deutsch

Free math worksheets

Build your own math worksheets from 28,000 problems for grades 3 to 12, from fractions to calculus. Every problem includes step-by-step solutions.

Test for a slope

Click problems to add them to your worksheet.

54807012
A slope test uses an estimated slope of \(1.50\) dollars per hour and a slope standard error of \(0.60\) dollars per hour. A student reports the test statistic as “\(t=2.50\) dollars per hour.” Correct the report and explain the units.

Hints

- Write the test statistic as a ratio. - Track the units in the numerator and denominator. - Quantities with identical units cancel when divided.

Solution

1. For testing \(H_0: \beta=0\), the test statistic is \(t=\frac{1.50-0}{0.60}=2.50\). 2. The numerator and denominator have the same slope units, dollars per hour. 3. Those units cancel in the ratio, so the \(t\) statistic is unitless.

Answer

The correct report is \(t=2.50\), with no units. The slope units cancel when the slope difference is divided by its standard error.
53952312
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating practice time, in hours, to accuracy score, in percentage points, is positive. Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the parameter as a population rate of change with units. - Translate “positive” into the direction of the alternative hypothesis. - The null hypothesis for a slope test uses zero.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean accuracy score, in percentage points, associated with one additional hour of practice. 2. “Positive” gives a right-tailed alternative hypothesis, \(H_a:\beta > 0\). 3. The null hypothesis represents no linear association, \(H_0:\beta = 0\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean accuracy score, in percentage points, per additional hour of practice. \(H_0:\beta = 0\); \(H_a:\beta > 0\).
53952412
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating distance from a heater, in feet, to temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, is negative. Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the slope as a population rate of change with units. - Translate “negative” into the direction of the alternative hypothesis. - Use zero in the null hypothesis for a slope test.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, associated with one additional foot from the heater. 2. “Negative” gives a left-tailed alternative hypothesis, \(H_a:\beta < 0\). 3. The null hypothesis represents no linear association, \(H_0:\beta = 0\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, per additional foot from the heater. \(H_0:\beta = 0\); \(H_a:\beta < 0\).
53952512
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating package weight, in pounds, to shipping cost, in dollars, is nonzero. Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the population slope with the response unit per explanatory-variable unit. - Translate “nonzero” into a two-sided alternative. - Use \(0\) as the null value for testing a regression slope.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean shipping cost, in dollars, associated with one additional pound of package weight. 2. “Nonzero” gives a two-sided alternative hypothesis, \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\). 3. The null hypothesis represents no linear association, \(H_0:\beta = 0\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean shipping cost, in dollars, per additional pound of package weight. \(H_0:\beta = 0\); \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\).
53952612
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating rainfall, in inches, to stream height, in feet, is greater than \(2\). Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the slope with units of feet per inch. - Use the numerical boundary from the claim as the null value. - Translate “greater than” into a right-tailed alternative.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean stream height, in feet, associated with one additional inch of rainfall. 2. The claim “greater than \(2\)” gives the right-tailed alternative \(H_a:\beta > 2\). 3. The null hypothesis uses the boundary value, \(H_0:\beta = 2\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean stream height, in feet, per additional inch of rainfall. \(H_0:\beta = 2\); \(H_a:\beta > 2\).
53952712
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating the number of workers to completion time, in hours, is less than \(-1\). Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the slope in hours per additional worker. - Use the claimed boundary value in the null hypothesis. - Translate “less than” into a left-tailed alternative.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean completion time, in hours, associated with one additional worker. 2. The claim “less than \(-1\)” gives the left-tailed alternative \(H_a:\beta < -1\). 3. The null hypothesis uses the boundary value, \(H_0:\beta = -1\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean completion time, in hours, per additional worker. \(H_0:\beta = -1\); \(H_a:\beta < -1\).
53952812
A researcher asks whether the population regression slope relating wing length, in centimeters, to body mass, in grams, differs from \(0.5\). Define \(\beta\) in context and state the null and alternative hypotheses.

Hints

- Define the slope with units of grams per centimeter. - Use the stated comparison value in the null hypothesis. - Translate “differs from” into a two-sided alternative.

Solution

1. \(\beta\) is the population change in mean body mass, in grams, associated with one additional centimeter of wing length. 2. “Differs from \(0.5\)” gives the two-sided alternative \(H_a:\beta \ne 0.5\). 3. The null hypothesis uses the specified value, \(H_0:\beta = 0.5\).

Answer

\(\beta\) is the population change in mean body mass, in grams, per additional centimeter of wing length. \(H_0:\beta = 0.5\); \(H_a:\beta \ne 0.5\).
53953412
A valid test of \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta > 0\) for the relationship between clay mass and bowl diameter gives \(p = 0.0040\). At \(\alpha = 0.050\), make the formal decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Compare the \(p\)-value directly with \(\alpha\). - Reject \(H_0\) when \(p<\alpha\). - State the conclusion about the population slope and preserve the direction in \(H_a\).

Solution

1. Compare the \(p\)-value with the significance level: \(0.0040 < 0.050\). 2. Because \(p < \alpha\), reject \(H_0\). 3. There is convincing evidence that the population slope for predicting bowl diameter from clay mass is positive.

Answer

Reject \(H_0\). There is convincing evidence that the population regression slope relating clay mass to bowl diameter is positive.
53953512
A valid test of \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta < 0\) for the relationship between distance from a speaker and sound level gives \(p = 0.0810\). At \(\alpha = 0.050\), make the formal decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Compare \(p\) with \(\alpha\) before making the decision. - When \(p>\alpha\), fail to reject \(H_0\); do not say that \(H_0\) is proven. - State the conclusion using the negative direction from \(H_a\).

Solution

1. Compare the \(p\)-value with the significance level: \(0.0810 > 0.050\). 2. Because \(p > \alpha\), fail to reject \(H_0\). 3. There is not convincing evidence that the population slope for predicting sound level from distance is negative.

Answer

Fail to reject \(H_0\). There is not convincing evidence that the population regression slope relating distance from a speaker to sound level is negative.
53953612
A valid test of \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\) for the relationship between the number of editing passes and the number of errors remaining gives \(p = 0.0320\). At \(\alpha = 0.010\), make the formal decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Compare the \(p\)-value with the stated significance level, not with \(0.05\) automatically. - When \(p>\alpha\), fail to reject \(H_0\). - State the conclusion about whether the population slope is nonzero.

Solution

1. Compare the \(p\)-value with the significance level: \(0.0320 > 0.010\). 2. Because \(p > \alpha\), fail to reject \(H_0\). 3. At the \(1\%\) significance level, there is not convincing evidence of a nonzero population slope relating editing passes to errors remaining.

Answer

Fail to reject \(H_0\). At \(\alpha = 0.010\), there is not convincing evidence of a nonzero population regression slope relating editing passes to errors remaining.
53953712
A valid test of \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta < 0\) for the relationship between distance from a heater and temperature gives \(p = 0.0490\). At \(\alpha = 0.050\), make the formal decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Compare the values carefully because \(p\) is close to \(\alpha\). - Reject \(H_0\) whenever \(p<\alpha\). - State the conclusion using the negative direction in \(H_a\).

Solution

1. Compare the \(p\)-value with the significance level: \(0.0490 < 0.050\). 2. Because \(p < \alpha\), reject \(H_0\). 3. There is convincing evidence that the population slope for predicting temperature from distance from the heater is negative.

Answer

Reject \(H_0\). There is convincing evidence that the population regression slope relating distance from a heater to temperature is negative.
53953812
A valid test of \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\) for the relationship between distance from a stage and sound level gives \(p = 0.0007\). At \(\alpha = 0.001\), make the formal decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Compare decimal places carefully when \(p\) and \(\alpha\) are both very small. - Reject \(H_0\) when \(p<\alpha\). - For a two-sided alternative, conclude only that the slope is nonzero unless its direction is also stated from the estimate.

Solution

1. Compare the \(p\)-value with the significance level: \(0.0007 < 0.001\). 2. Because \(p < \alpha\), reject \(H_0\). 3. There is convincing evidence that the population slope relating distance from the stage to sound level is nonzero.

Answer

Reject \(H_0\). There is convincing evidence of a nonzero population regression slope relating distance from a stage to sound level.
53953912
A researcher plans a \(t\)-test for the population slope relating the number of volunteers to the number of boxes packed. The observations come from a random sample that is less than \(10\%\) of the population, and the residual distribution is roughly symmetric with no strong outliers. Use the scatterplot and residual plot to evaluate the remaining test conditions.
Figure for problem 539539

Hints

- Use the random-sample and \(10\%\) statements to assess independence. - In the scatterplot, decide whether a straight-line model is reasonable; in the residual plot, look for a systematic shape. - Compare residual spread at low and high volunteer counts, then use the stated residual-distribution information.

Solution

1. The random sample and the \(10\%\) condition support independence. 2. The scatterplot shows an approximately linear positive relationship. 3. The residual plot shows no systematic pattern and has roughly similar vertical spread across the explanatory-variable range, supporting linearity and equal variance. 4. The roughly symmetric residual distribution with no strong outliers supports approximate normality. 5. Therefore, the conditions for a \(t\)-test of the population slope are adequately met.

Answer

The sampling information and displays adequately support independence, linearity, constant residual variance, and approximate normality, so a \(t\)-test for the population slope is appropriate.
53954012
A researcher plans a \(t\)-test for the population slope relating weekly study time to exam score. The data come from a convenience sample, although the scatterplot and residual plots otherwise satisfy the regression conditions. Evaluate whether the test supports inference about the population slope.

Hints

- Separate conditions about the regression model from conditions about how the sample was selected. - Decide whether a convenience sample represents a chance-based selection process. - Appropriate residual plots cannot remove selection bias.

Solution

1. The appropriate plots support the model conditions of linearity, constant variance, and approximate normality. 2. However, a convenience sample is not a random sample and may systematically differ from the target population. 3. Because the randomization condition fails, the test does not justify inference about the population slope.

Answer

The randomization condition fails because the sample is a convenience sample. Therefore, the \(t\)-test does not justify inference about the population slope, even though the graphical conditions are satisfied.
53954112
A researcher plans a \(t\)-test for the population slope relating trail grade to hiking speed. The observations form a random sample. Use the residual plot to evaluate the test conditions.
Figure for problem 539541

Hints

- Trace the residuals from low to high trail grades and look for a repeated directional pattern. - A suitable linear model should leave points without a curved structure around the zero line. - Identify which regression-inference condition is violated by the pattern.

Solution

1. A suitable linear regression model should leave residuals randomly scattered around \(0\). 2. The residual plot shows strong curvature, indicating that a straight line does not adequately model the relationship. 3. Therefore, the linearity condition fails, so the usual \(t\)-test for the slope of this linear model is not appropriate.

Answer

The linearity condition fails because the residual plot shows strong curvature. Therefore, the usual \(t\)-test for the linear-model slope is not appropriate.
53954212
A researcher plans a \(t\)-test for the population slope relating the number of exhibits visited to visit duration. The observations form a random sample. Use the residual plot to evaluate the test conditions.
Figure for problem 539542

Hints

- Compare the vertical range of residuals for small and large numbers of exhibits. - Decide whether the error spread is approximately stable across the plot. - Connect a widening residual spread to the standard-error assumption used by the slope test.

Solution

1. The usual slope \(t\)-test assumes that residual variance is approximately constant across values of the explanatory variable. 2. The residual plot shows a sharply widening vertical spread as the number of exhibits increases. 3. Therefore, the constant-variance condition is not met, so the usual standard error and \(t\)-test are not reliable without a different model or inference method.

Answer

The constant-variance condition fails because the residual spread increases sharply. Therefore, the usual standard error and slope \(t\)-test are not reliable.
53954312
A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) concerns \(H_0:\beta = 0\) for the population slope relating rainfall to stream height. The matching \(95\%\) confidence interval is \((0.12, 0.88)\). Use the interval to determine the test decision.

Hints

- Match a two-sided \(\alpha=0.05\) test with a \(95\%\) confidence interval. - Locate the null value \(0\) relative to the interval. - Excluding the null value corresponds to rejecting \(H_0\).

Solution

1. A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) rejects \(H_0\) exactly when the null value is outside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval. 2. The null value \(0\) is not in \((0.12, 0.88)\). 3. Therefore, reject \(H_0\).

Answer

Reject \(H_0\) because the null value \(0\) is outside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval.
53954412
A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) concerns \(H_0:\beta = 0\) for the population slope relating the number of route changes to arrival delay. The matching \(95\%\) confidence interval is \((-0.35, 0.46)\). Use the interval to determine the test decision.

Hints

- Match a two-sided \(\alpha=0.05\) test with a \(95\%\) confidence interval. - Check whether the null value \(0\) lies between the endpoints. - Including the null value corresponds to failing to reject \(H_0\).

Solution

1. A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) rejects \(H_0\) exactly when the null value is outside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval. 2. The null value \(0\) lies in \((-0.35, 0.46)\). 3. Therefore, fail to reject \(H_0\).

Answer

Fail to reject \(H_0\) because the null value \(0\) is inside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval.
53954512
A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) concerns \(H_0:\beta = 2.0\) for the population slope relating crowd size, measured in groups of \(10\) people, to wait time in minutes. The matching \(95\%\) confidence interval is \((1.10, 2.90)\). Use the interval to determine the test decision.

Hints

- Use the specified null value \(2.0\), not \(0\). - Check whether \(2.0\) lies between the interval endpoints. - A null value inside the matching confidence interval leads to failing to reject \(H_0\).

Solution

1. A two-sided test at \(\alpha = 0.05\) rejects \(H_0\) exactly when the null value is outside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval. 2. The null value \(2.0\) lies in \((1.10, 2.90)\). 3. Therefore, fail to reject \(H_0\).

Answer

Fail to reject \(H_0\) because the null value \(2.0\) is inside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval.
53954812
For a slope test relating the number of proofreads to the number of typos remaining, \(p = 0.12\). At \(\alpha = 0.05\), a student concludes that \(H_0\) is true. Evaluate the reasoning.

Hints

- Compare \(p=0.12\) with the stated significance level. - Distinguish “fail to reject” from “accept as true.” - Consider that weak evidence can result from limited sample information, not only from a true null hypothesis.

Solution

1. Since \(0.12 > 0.05\), the formal decision is to fail to reject \(H_0\). 2. Failing to reject \(H_0\) means that the data do not provide convincing evidence against the null hypothesis. 3. It does not prove that the population slope equals the null value. The study may simply lack enough evidence to detect a real effect.

Answer

The reasoning is incorrect. The correct decision is to fail to reject \(H_0\), which means the data do not provide convincing evidence against it; this does not prove that \(H_0\) is true.
53954912
A slope test relating kayak length to top speed rejects \(H_0:\beta = 0\) in an observational study. The report concludes that increasing kayak length causes top speed to change. Evaluate the reasoning.

Hints

- Identify what rejecting a zero-slope null hypothesis establishes. - Distinguish statistical association from cause and effect. - Check whether the study randomly assigned the explanatory variable.

Solution

1. Rejecting \(H_0:\beta = 0\) provides evidence of a nonzero linear association between kayak length and top speed in the population. 2. Because the study is observational, other variables may explain some or all of the association. 3. Therefore, the test does not establish that changing kayak length causes a change in top speed.

Answer

The conclusion is not justified. The test supports a nonzero linear association, but an observational study cannot establish that kayak length causes top speed to change.
53955012
For a slope test relating snow depth to travel time, a researcher chooses a one-sided alternative only after seeing the sign of the sample slope. Evaluate the reasoning.

Hints

- Ask when the direction of \(H_a\) was chosen. - A valid one-sided test commits to one tail before seeing the sample slope. - Consider what happens if either a large positive or a large negative slope can trigger a favorable one-sided test.

Solution

1. The direction of a one-sided alternative must be specified before examining the sample result. 2. Choosing the direction that matches the observed slope makes unusually large results in either direction capable of producing a small reported one-sided \(p\)-value. 3. This data-dependent choice understates the true evidence and inflates the Type I error rate. A two-sided test should be used unless a directional alternative was justified in advance.

Answer

The procedure is invalid. The one-sided direction should be chosen before examining the data; choosing it afterward makes the \(p\)-value misleading. Use a two-sided test unless the direction was specified in advance.
54794612
A researcher wants to test whether the population regression slope relating weekly rehearsal time to performance accuracy is positive. A student writes \(H_0: b=0\) and \(H_a: b>0\), where \(b\) is the slope computed from the sample. Identify the error and write the hypotheses correctly.

Hints

- Ask whether a hypothesis should describe the sample or the population. - Identify the parameter that represents the long-run relationship of interest. - Match the direction of the alternative to the research question.

Solution

1. Hypotheses must be stated about the population parameter, not the sample statistic. 2. Let \(\beta\) be the population slope relating weekly rehearsal time to mean performance accuracy. 3. The correct hypotheses are \(H_0: \beta=0\) and \(H_a: \beta>0\).

Answer

The student used the sample slope \(b\) instead of the population slope \(\beta\). The correct hypotheses are \(H_0: \beta=0\) and \(H_a: \beta>0\).
54796112
A researcher tests \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta>0\), where \(\beta\) is the population slope relating weekly training time to improvement score. Describe a Type I error in the context of this test.

Hints

- Begin with the definition of a Type I error. - Translate the null hypothesis into the context of the two variables. - State the mistaken conclusion and the true condition together.

Solution

1. A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is true but is rejected. 2. Here, \(H_0\) states that the population slope is \(0\). 3. A Type I error would be concluding that greater weekly training time is associated with a positive change in mean improvement score when the true population slope is actually \(0\).

Answer

A Type I error is concluding that the population slope is positive when the true population slope is \(0\).
54796612
A researcher tests \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta<0\), where \(\beta\) is the population slope relating machine age to production speed. Describe a Type II error in context.

Hints

- Begin with the definition of a Type II error. - Translate the alternative hypothesis into the context of the variables. - State what the analysis would fail to detect.

Solution

1. A Type II error occurs when the alternative is true but the null hypothesis is not rejected. 2. Here, the alternative says that the population slope is negative. 3. A Type II error would be failing to find evidence of a negative population slope when machine age truly is associated with a decrease in mean production speed.

Answer

A Type II error is failing to reject \(H_0\) when the true population slope is negative.
54800412
Before collecting data, a researcher sets \(\alpha=0.01\) for a two-sided test of a population regression slope. The completed analysis gives \(p=0.032\). After seeing the result, the researcher says, “Let’s use \(\alpha=0.05\) instead so the slope is statistically significant.” Evaluate this decision-making process and state the decision using the originally chosen significance level.

Hints

- Think about when a significance threshold should be selected relative to seeing the data. - Compare the reported probability with the threshold that was specified in advance. - Consider why changing a decision rule after seeing the result can make false positives easier to obtain.

Solution

1. The significance level should be chosen before examining the test result because it sets the tolerated probability of a Type I error under the null hypothesis. 2. Changing \(\alpha\) after seeing the \(p\)-value makes the decision rule data-dependent and inflates the chance of declaring significance opportunistically. 3. Using the prespecified level, \(p=0.032>0.01\), so the researcher fails to reject the null hypothesis.

Answer

The researcher should not raise \(\alpha\) after seeing the \(p\)-value. Using the prespecified \(\alpha=0.01\), the decision is to fail to reject the null hypothesis because \(0.032>0.01\).
54805112
A valid two-sided test of \(H_0: \beta=0\) gives \(p=0.030\). A student says, “There is a \(3\%\) probability that the population slope is \(0\).” Correct the interpretation of the \(p\)-value.

Hints

- Identify what assumption is made when a \(p\)-value is calculated. - Distinguish the probability of data under a hypothesis from the probability that the hypothesis is true. - State the result in terms of outcomes at least as extreme as the one observed.

Solution

1. The null hypothesis treats \(\beta=0\) as the condition under which the sampling distribution is evaluated. 2. The \(p\)-value is the probability, assuming \(H_0\) is true, of obtaining a test statistic at least as extreme as the observed one in the direction or directions specified by the alternative. 3. It is not the probability that \(H_0\) itself is true.

Answer

The statement is incorrect. A \(p\)-value of \(0.030\) means that, if \(\beta=0\), results at least as extreme as the observed result would occur with probability \(0.030\) under the test model. It does not mean there is a \(3\%\) probability that \(\beta=0\).
54809812
A regression of improvement score on weekly practice time uses \(n=22\) observations. To test \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta>0\) at \(\alpha=0.05\), the calculated slope test statistic is \(t=1.70\). The critical value for \(20\) degrees of freedom is approximately \(1.725\). Make the test decision and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Identify which side of the \(t\) distribution corresponds to the alternative. - Compare the observed statistic with the given cutoff for rejection. - State the conclusion as evidence about how mean improvement score changes with weekly practice time.

Solution

1. The one-sided rejection region is \(t>1.725\). 2. The observed statistic \(t=1.70\) does not enter the rejection region. 3. Equivalently, the one-sided \(p\)-value is about \(0.0523\), which is greater than \(0.05\). 4. Therefore, fail to reject \(H_0\). The sample does not provide sufficient evidence at the \(5\%\) level that mean improvement score increases as weekly practice time increases.

Answer

Fail to reject \(H_0\). Since \(1.70<1.725\), there is insufficient evidence at \(\alpha=0.05\) that mean improvement score increases with weekly practice time.
54812912
A \(95\%\) confidence interval for a population regression slope is \((1.2, 3.4)\). What does this interval imply about the two-sided test of \(H_0: \beta=0\) at \(\alpha=0.05\)? Can the exact \(p\)-value be determined from the interval alone?

Hints

- Use the connection between a two-sided test and a confidence interval with the matching confidence level. - Check whether the null value lies inside or outside the interval. - The reject-or-fail-to-reject decision gives a range for the \(p\)-value, not necessarily its exact value.

Solution

1. A two-sided test at \(\alpha=0.05\) rejects a null value that lies outside the matching \(95\%\) confidence interval. 2. Since \(0\) is outside \((1.2, 3.4)\), the corresponding two-sided test has \(p<0.05\). 3. The confidence interval alone does not provide the exact tail area, so it does not determine the exact \(p\)-value.

Answer

The two-sided test rejects \(H_0: \beta=0\) at \(\alpha=0.05\), and its \(p\)-value is less than \(0.05\). The exact \(p\)-value cannot be determined from the interval alone.
54813412
A regression output reports slope \(b=0.60\), slope standard error \(SE_b=0.20\), and residual standard deviation \(s=4.0\). Find the test statistic for \(H_0: \beta=0\), and explain why the residual standard deviation is not the correct denominator.

Hints

- Match the uncertainty measure to the parameter being tested. - Subtract the null slope from the estimated slope. - Check that the numerator and denominator have the same units.

Solution

1. A slope test standardizes the estimated slope using the standard error of the slope. 2. The test statistic is \(t=\frac{0.60-0}{0.20}=3.0\). 3. The residual standard deviation \(s=4.0\) measures typical vertical prediction error, while \(SE_b\) measures uncertainty in the estimated slope. 4. The numerator has slope units, so the denominator must also have slope units.

Answer

The test statistic is \(t=3.0\). The denominator must be the slope standard error \(SE_b=0.20\), not the residual standard deviation \(s=4.0\).
54814712
A two-sided slope test with \(30\) degrees of freedom is reported as \(t=0.20\) and \(p<0.001\). Check whether the reported test statistic and \(p\)-value are consistent.

Hints

- Think about where a statistic close to zero lies in a null \(t\) distribution. - A very small two-sided \(p\)-value requires a statistic far from zero in magnitude. - Use the stated degrees of freedom to check the numerical tail area.

Solution

1. A test statistic of \(t=0.20\) lies very close to \(0\), so it is not far into either tail of the \(t\) distribution. 2. With \(30\) degrees of freedom, the two-sided \(p\)-value for \(|t|=0.20\) is approximately \(0.843\). 3. Therefore, \(p<0.001\) is incompatible with the reported test statistic and degrees of freedom.

Answer

The report is inconsistent. For \(t=0.20\) with \(30\) degrees of freedom, the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.843\), not less than \(0.001\).
54815212
Two slope tests use the same degrees of freedom. Test A has \(t=2.50\), and Test B has \(t=-2.50\). Both use the two-sided alternative \(H_a: \beta\ne 0\). Compare their \(p\)-values. What information does the sign of \(t\) provide that the two-sided \(p\)-value does not?

Hints

- Ask whether a two-sided tail area depends on the sign or the distance from zero. - The two statistics are equally far from zero. - Keep evidence strength separate from the direction of the estimated effect.

Solution

1. A two-sided \(p\)-value depends on the magnitude \(|t|\), because evidence in both tails is counted. 2. Tests A and B have the same \(|t|=2.50\) and the same degrees of freedom, so their two-sided \(p\)-values are equal. 3. The sign of \(t\) indicates the direction of the estimated slope relative to the null value: positive for Test A and negative for Test B.

Answer

The two tests have equal two-sided \(p\)-values. The sign of \(t\) indicates the direction of the estimated slope relative to the null, while the two-sided \(p\)-value measures evidence against the null in either direction.
53952912
For a random sample relating practice time to accuracy score, \(n = 14\), the sample slope is \(b = 0.700\), and \(SE_b = 0.190\). Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\). Find the \(t\) statistic, degrees of freedom, and \(p\)-value. Round to three decimals.

Hints

- Use \(t=\frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b}\) with \(\beta_0=0\). - Regression slope tests use \(df=n-2\). - Because the alternative is two-sided, double the one-tail probability beyond \(|t|\).

Solution

1. Compute the test statistic: \(t = \frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b} = \frac{0.700-0}{0.190} \approx 3.684\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 14 - 2 = 12\). 3. For a two-sided test, \(p = 2P(T_{12} \ge |3.684|) \approx 0.003\).

Answer

\(t \approx 3.684\), \(df = 12\), and \(p \approx 0.003\).
53953012
For a random sample relating distance from a speaker to sound level, \(n = 16\), the sample slope is \(b = -0.920\), and \(SE_b = 0.210\). Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta > 0\). Find the \(t\) statistic, degrees of freedom, and \(p\)-value. Round to three decimals.

Hints

- Compute \(t=\frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b}\) and preserve its sign. - Use \(df=n-2\). - For \(H_a:\beta>0\), the \(p\)-value is the area to the right of the observed \(t\), even when \(t\) is negative.

Solution

1. Compute the test statistic: \(t = \frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b} = \frac{-0.920-0}{0.210} \approx -4.381\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 16 - 2 = 14\). 3. The alternative is right-tailed, so \(p = P(T_{14} \ge -4.381) \approx 0.999686 \approx 1.000\). 4. The \(p\)-value is very large because the observed slope is strongly negative, opposite the positive direction in \(H_a\).

Answer

\(t \approx -4.381\), \(df = 14\), and \(p \approx 1.000\).
53953112
For a random sample relating hours of sunlight to solar energy output, \(n = 20\), the sample slope is \(b = 1.360\), and \(SE_b = 0.250\). Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\). Find the \(t\) statistic, degrees of freedom, and \(p\)-value. Round the \(t\) statistic to three decimals.

Hints

- Use \(t=\frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b}\) with \(\beta_0=0\). - Use \(df=n-2\) for the slope test. - For a two-sided alternative, double the upper-tail probability beyond \(|t|\); report a very small \(p\)-value as an inequality rather than \(0\).

Solution

1. Compute the test statistic: \(t = \frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b} = \frac{1.360-0}{0.250} = 5.440\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 20 - 2 = 18\). 3. For a two-sided test, \(p = 2P(T_{18} \ge 5.440) \approx 0.000036\), so \(p < 0.001\).

Answer

\(t = 5.440\), \(df = 18\), and \(p < 0.001\).
53953212
For a random sample relating crowd size, measured in groups of \(10\) people, to wait time in minutes, \(n = 26\), the sample slope is \(b = 2.020\), and \(SE_b = 0.310\). Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0:\beta = 1.0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 1.0\). Find the \(t\) statistic, degrees of freedom, and \(p\)-value. Round to three decimals.

Hints

- Subtract the null slope \(1.0\), not \(0\), when computing the test statistic. - Use \(df=n-2\). - Double the one-tail probability because the alternative is two-sided.

Solution

1. Compute the test statistic: \(t = \frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b} = \frac{2.020-1.0}{0.310} \approx 3.290\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 26 - 2 = 24\). 3. For a two-sided test, \(p = 2P(T_{24} \ge |3.290|) \approx 0.003\).

Answer

\(t \approx 3.290\), \(df = 24\), and \(p \approx 0.003\).
53953312
For a random sample relating water temperature to dissolving time, \(n = 28\), the sample slope is \(b = -2.240\), and \(SE_b = 0.330\). Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0:\beta = -0.5\) against \(H_a:\beta > -0.5\). Find the \(t\) statistic, degrees of freedom, and \(p\)-value. Round to three decimals.

Hints

- Carefully subtract the negative null value when computing \(b-\beta_0\). - Use \(df=n-2\). - For \(H_a:\beta>-0.5\), use the area to the right of the observed \(t\).

Solution

1. Compute the test statistic using the null value \(-0.5\): \(t = \frac{b-\beta_0}{SE_b} = \frac{-2.240-(-0.5)}{0.330} \approx -5.273\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 28 - 2 = 26\). 3. The alternative is right-tailed, so \(p = P(T_{26} \ge -5.273) \approx 0.999992 \approx 1.000\). 4. The observed slope is far below the null value, opposite the direction in \(H_a\), so the \(p\)-value is very large.

Answer

\(t \approx -5.273\), \(df = 26\), and \(p \approx 1.000\).
53954612
A slope test for predicting river flow speed from river depth has \(t = 2.10\) with \(df = 20\). Compute the one-sided \(p\)-value for \(H_a:\beta > 0\) and the two-sided \(p\)-value for \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\). Explain their relationship.

Hints

- For \(H_a:\beta>0\), use the area to the right of \(t=2.10\). - A two-sided test counts equally extreme results in both tails. - The doubling relationship applies because the \(t\)-distribution is symmetric and the statistic is in the one-sided alternative’s direction.

Solution

1. For the positive one-sided alternative, the \(p\)-value is the upper-tail probability: \(P(T_{20} \ge 2.10) \approx 0.0243\). 2. For the two-sided alternative, include equally extreme values in both tails: \(2P(T_{20} \ge 2.10) \approx 2(0.0243) \approx 0.0486\). 3. Because the observed \(t\) statistic is in the direction of the one-sided alternative, the two-sided \(p\)-value is twice the one-sided \(p\)-value.

Answer

One-sided \(p \approx 0.0243\); two-sided \(p \approx 0.0486\). Here, the two-sided \(p\)-value is twice the one-sided value.
53954712
The output below comes from a regression of setup time on the number of musicians using \(n = 22\) observations. Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. <table> <thead><tr><th>Term</th><th>Estimate</th><th>SE Estimate</th><th>t</th><th>p</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Constant</td><td>4.000</td><td>0.900</td><td>4.44</td><td>&lt;0.001</td></tr> <tr><td>Musicians</td><td>1.100</td><td>0.250</td><td>4.40</td><td>0.0003</td></tr> </tbody> </table> At \(\alpha = 0.05\), test \(H_0:\beta = 0\) against \(H_a:\beta \ne 0\), and state the conclusion in context.

Hints

- Use the explanatory-variable row rather than the constant row. - Compare the slope row’s \(p\)-value with \(\alpha\). - State the conclusion about the population slope in the context of musicians and setup time.

Solution

1. Use the musicians row because it contains the estimated slope. The output gives \(t = 4.40\) and \(p = 0.0003\). 2. The degrees of freedom are \(df = n - 2 = 22 - 2 = 20\). 3. Since \(0.0003 < 0.05\), reject \(H_0\). 4. There is convincing evidence that the population slope relating the number of musicians to setup time is nonzero.

Answer

Reject \(H_0\). There is convincing evidence of a nonzero population regression slope relating the number of musicians to setup time.
54795612
A valid slope test produces \(t=-2.34\) with \(df=17\). The alternative hypothesis is \(H_a: \beta<0\). Find the one-sided \(p\)-value and make the decision at \(\alpha=0.025\). Round the \(p\)-value to three decimals.

Hints

- Match the tail of the probability calculation to the direction of the alternative hypothesis. - Use the stated degrees of freedom with the observed test statistic. - Compare the resulting probability with the significance level.

Solution

1. For a left-tailed test, the \(p\)-value is the probability of a \(t\)-statistic at or below \(-2.34\) with \(17\) degrees of freedom. 2. This probability is \(p\approx0.016\). 3. Since \(0.016<0.025\), reject \(H_0\).

Answer

\(p\approx0.016\). Reject \(H_0\) at \(\alpha=0.025\); the data provide evidence that the population slope is negative.
54797612
A researcher plans a one-sided test for a positive population regression slope. Suppose the true positive slope, the spread of the variables, and the sampling method stay similar, but the sample size is increased substantially. Describe the general effect on the standard error of the slope estimate and on the power of the test.

Hints

- Think about how additional independent observations affect uncertainty in an estimate. - Consider what makes a true effect easier to distinguish from the null value. - Focus on the general direction of the change rather than an exact numerical amount.

Solution

1. With comparable data quality and a larger sample, the slope estimate generally has a smaller standard error. 2. A smaller standard error makes a fixed nonzero true slope easier to distinguish from the null value. 3. Therefore, the test generally has greater power to detect the positive slope.

Answer

The standard error generally decreases, and the power of the test generally increases.
54798212
Before collecting data, a researcher specifies the alternative \(H_a: \beta<0\). The completed slope test has a negative test statistic and a two-sided \(p\)-value of \(0.084\). Find the appropriate one-sided \(p\)-value for the prespecified alternative and make the decision at \(\alpha=0.05\).

Hints

- Check whether the observed statistic points in the same direction as the prespecified alternative. - Use the symmetry of the reference distribution to relate one-sided and two-sided probabilities. - Compare the appropriate probability with the significance level.

Solution

1. The observed test statistic is in the direction specified by \(H_a: \beta<0\). 2. For a symmetric \(t\)-distribution, the corresponding one-sided \(p\)-value is half the two-sided value: \(0.084\div2=0.042\). 3. Since \(0.042<0.05\), reject \(H_0\).

Answer

The one-sided \(p\)-value is \(0.042\). Reject \(H_0\) at \(\alpha=0.05\).
54799412
In a very large observational data set, a test of \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta\ne0\) gives a sample slope of \(b=0.018\) and \(p<0.001\). The response is measured on a scale where a change of less than \(0.10\) per unit of the explanatory variable is considered practically negligible. A report says, “The tiny \(p\)-value proves the relationship is strong and practically important.” Evaluate the report.

Hints

- Separate evidence against a null hypothesis from the size of an estimated effect. - Ask what information a \(p\)-value provides and what it does not provide. - Compare the estimated slope with the practical benchmark given in the problem.

Solution

1. The small \(p\)-value provides strong evidence against \(H_0: \beta=0\), so the data support a nonzero population slope under the test conditions. 2. Statistical significance does not measure the practical size or strength of the relationship. 3. The estimated slope is only \(0.018\) response units per one-unit increase in the explanatory variable, which is below the stated practical threshold of \(0.10\). 4. Therefore, the result can be statistically significant while the estimated effect is practically small.

Answer

The report is incorrect. The tiny \(p\)-value is evidence that the population slope is nonzero, but it does not show that the relationship is strong or practically important. The estimated slope \(0.018\) is below the stated practical threshold of \(0.10\).
54799912
Regression software for a sample of \(n=22\) reports a slope estimate of \(b=1.800\), a slope standard error of \(SE_b=0.400\), and a two-sided \(p\)-value of \(p<0.001\) for the software’s default test of \(H_0: \beta=0\). A researcher instead wants to test \(H_0: \beta=1.000\) against \(H_a: \beta\ne1.000\). A student says the reported \(p\)-value can be used for this test. Evaluate the claim, then compute the correct test statistic and two-sided \(p\)-value using \(df=n-2\). Round the \(p\)-value to three decimals.

Hints

- Check which null value the software output is actually testing. - Recenter the slope estimate around the null value in the research question. - Use the sample size to identify the appropriate degrees of freedom before finding the tail probability.

Solution

1. The software’s reported \(p\)-value corresponds to the null value \(0\), so it cannot be reused for a test whose null slope is \(1.000\). 2. For the requested test, \(t=\frac{1.800-1.000}{0.400}=2.000\) with \(df=22-2=20\). 3. The two-sided \(p\)-value for \(|t|=2.000\) with \(20\) degrees of freedom is approximately \(0.059\).

Answer

The student is incorrect. The reported result tests \(H_0: \beta=0\), not \(H_0: \beta=1.000\). For the requested test, \(t=2.000\) with \(df=20\), and the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.059\).
54801412
A slope test produces a negative test statistic. Software reports a two-sided \(p\)-value of \(0.012\) for testing \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta\ne0\). Before collecting the data, the researcher had specified the one-sided alternative \(H_a: \beta>0\). Find the appropriate one-sided \(p\)-value and explain why it is large even though the two-sided \(p\)-value is small.

Hints

- Use the sign of the test statistic together with the direction of the one-sided alternative. - Split the two-sided tail probability between the two symmetric tails. - Decide whether the observed statistic lies in the tail specified by the alternative or in the opposite tail.

Solution

1. A two-sided \(p\)-value of \(0.012\) places \(0.006\) probability in each tail beyond the observed magnitude of the test statistic. 2. Because the observed test statistic is negative but the alternative is \(\beta>0\), the relevant upper-tail probability includes almost the entire distribution except the lower tail of probability \(0.006\). 3. The one-sided \(p\)-value is therefore \(1-0.006=0.994\). 4. The data point strongly in the direction opposite the prespecified alternative, so they provide no evidence for a positive population slope.

Answer

The appropriate one-sided \(p\)-value is \(0.994\). The observed slope is in the direction opposite \(H_a: \beta>0\), so the relevant tail probability is very large.
54802112
A researcher is planning a one-sided test for a population regression slope and is deciding between \(\alpha=0.01\) and \(\alpha=0.05\) before collecting data. Assume the sample size, design, and true slope are otherwise fixed. Compared with \(\alpha=0.01\), describe how using \(\alpha=0.05\) changes the rejection rule, the probability of a Type I error, and the power of the test when the alternative is true.

Hints

- Think of \(\alpha\) as controlling how much of the null distribution is placed in the rejection region. - Ask what happens when that rejection region becomes larger. - Consider the tradeoff between false positives and the ability to detect a real slope.

Solution

1. Using \(\alpha=0.05\) makes the rejection region larger, so less extreme sample evidence is required to reject the null hypothesis. 2. Under the null hypothesis, the probability of a Type I error rises from \(0.01\) to \(0.05\). 3. When the alternative is true, the larger rejection region makes rejection more likely, so the test has greater power, all else being equal.

Answer

Using \(\alpha=0.05\) makes rejection easier, increases the Type I error probability from \(0.01\) to \(0.05\), and increases the test’s power when the alternative is true.
54802812
A regression slope test of \(H_0: \beta=0\) gives \(b=0.60\), \(SE_b=0.20\), and \(t=3.00\). An analyst defines a new response \(y^*=-y\) and repeats the equivalent regression using the same explanatory variable. Find the new slope estimate, slope standard error, and test statistic. State what happens to the two-sided \(p\)-value.

Hints

- Track how reversing the response scale affects the fitted rate of change. - Distinguish the sign of an estimate from the size of its uncertainty. - A two-sided test treats equally extreme positive and negative test statistics symmetrically.

Solution

1. Multiplying every response by \(-1\) changes the slope estimate from \(0.60\) to \(-0.60\). 2. The standard error measures the magnitude of sampling uncertainty, so multiplying the response by \(-1\) leaves its value at \(0.20\). 3. The new test statistic is \(t=\frac{-0.60-0}{0.20}=-3.00\). 4. A two-sided test depends on \(|t|\), so the two-sided \(p\)-value is unchanged.

Answer

The new slope is \(-0.60\), the standard error is \(0.20\), and the test statistic is \(-3.00\). The two-sided \(p\)-value is unchanged.
54803612
Two independent regression studies each estimate the same sample slope, \(b=0.50\), and each uses \(df=30\) for a two-sided test of \(H_0: \beta=0\). Study A has \(SE_b=0.10\). Study B has \(SE_b=0.40\). Compute the test statistic and two-sided \(p\)-value for each study, rounding the \(p\)-values to three decimals when possible. Explain why the same slope estimate can lead to different test conclusions.

Hints

- Standardize each slope estimate using its own standard error. - Compare how many standard errors each estimate lies from the null value. - A test reflects both effect size and uncertainty.

Solution

1. For Study A, \(t=\frac{0.50}{0.10}=5.00\). With \(df=30\), the two-sided \(p\)-value is less than \(0.001\). 2. For Study B, \(t=\frac{0.50}{0.40}=1.25\). With \(df=30\), the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.221\). 3. The studies have the same estimated slope but different uncertainty. The smaller standard error in Study A makes the estimate much farther from \(0\) in standard-error units. 4. Statistical significance depends on the estimated effect relative to its uncertainty, not on the slope estimate alone.

Answer

Study A: \(t=5.00\), \(p<0.001\). Study B: \(t=1.25\), \(p\approx0.221\). The conclusions differ because the same estimated slope is much more precise in Study A.
54805712
A regression slope estimate is \(b=2.40\) with \(SE_b=0.60\). A researcher tests \(H_0: \beta=2.00\). The explanatory variable is then rescaled by defining \(x^*=10x\), so the equivalent slope estimate is \(b^*=0.24\) with \(SE_{b^*}=0.06\). What null slope should be tested on the \(x^*\) scale, and what is the test statistic? Explain why testing \(H_0: \beta^*=2.00\) would represent a different hypothesis.

Hints

- Convert the null value using the same unit change that converts the fitted slope. - Compare the standardized distance from the null before and after rescaling. - A numerical slope value has meaning only together with its explanatory-variable units.

Solution

1. Multiplying the explanatory variable by \(10\) divides every response-per-unit slope by \(10\). 2. Therefore, the original null value \(\beta=2.00\) corresponds to \(\beta^*=0.20\). 3. The transformed test statistic is \(t=\frac{0.24-0.20}{0.06}\approx0.667\), the same value as \(\frac{2.40-2.00}{0.60}\). 4. Testing \(\beta^*=2.00\) would correspond to an original-scale slope of \(20.00\), so it is not the same scientific hypothesis.

Answer

Test \(H_0: \beta^*=0.20\). The test statistic is \(t\approx0.667\). Leaving the null value at \(2.00\) after changing units would test a different slope.
54806312
A slope test uses \(\alpha=0.050\). Software displays the \(p\)-value rounded to three decimals as \(0.050\). A student says, “Because \(p=\alpha\), we definitely reject the null hypothesis.” Evaluate the statement, paying attention to the fact that the displayed \(p\)-value is rounded.

Hints

- Distinguish the exact \(p\)-value from a value rounded for display. - Think about which exact values can round to \(0.050\). - A decision at a boundary requires enough numerical precision to know which side of the threshold the exact value lies on.

Solution

1. The usual decision rule rejects when the exact \(p\)-value is at most the chosen significance level. 2. A displayed value of \(0.050\) rounded to three decimals could represent an exact value slightly below \(0.050\), exactly \(0.050\), or slightly above \(0.050\). 3. Therefore, the rounded display alone is not enough to make a definite boundary decision at \(\alpha=0.050\). 4. More numerical precision from the software is needed before applying the decision rule.

Answer

The student’s conclusion is not justified from the rounded display alone. Because \(0.050\) is rounded, the exact \(p\)-value could lie on either side of \(0.050\). More precision is needed to decide whether to reject at \(\alpha=0.050\).
54807612
Two slope tests both produce \(t=2.00\), but Test A has \(df=5\) and Test B has \(df=50\). A student says, “The two-sided \(p\)-values must be identical because the \(t\)-statistics are identical.” Evaluate the claim by finding both two-sided \(p\)-values. Round to three decimals.

Hints

- Identify the reference distribution used by each test. - The numerical test statistic alone does not specify the relevant tail area. - Compare how \(t\) distributions change as the degrees of freedom increase.

Solution

1. A \(t\)-test \(p\)-value depends on both the test statistic and the degrees of freedom because different \(t\) distributions have different tail thicknesses. 2. For \(t=2.00\) with \(df=5\), the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.102\). 3. For \(t=2.00\) with \(df=50\), the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.051\). 4. The larger degrees of freedom produce thinner tails, so the same \(|t|\) corresponds to a smaller tail probability.

Answer

Test A: \(p\approx0.102\). Test B: \(p\approx0.051\). The claim is incorrect because a \(t\)-test \(p\)-value depends on the degrees of freedom as well as on the test statistic.
54808412
A retailer fits a linear regression using data from \(52\) consecutive weeks, with weekly advertising spending as \(x\) and weekly sales revenue as \(y\). The software reports a two-sided \(p\)-value of \(0.004\) for testing \(H_0: \beta=0\). A plot of the residuals in chronological order shows long runs of positive residuals followed by long runs of negative residuals. Should the analyst use the reported \(p\)-value as valid evidence that \(\beta\ne0\)? Explain.

Hints

- Check the conditions behind the inference procedure, not just the size of the reported \(p\)-value. - Think about what long runs of residuals with the same sign say about observations close together in time. - Decide whether the standard regression test is trustworthy when one of its sampling conditions is doubtful.

Solution

1. The usual slope test requires the observations, and therefore the regression errors, to be independent. 2. Long runs of residuals with the same sign in time order are evidence of serial dependence rather than independent errors. 3. With this condition in doubt, the standard error and resulting \(t\)-test may not have the stated sampling behavior. 4. Therefore, the reported \(p\)-value of \(0.004\) should not be treated as valid evidence from the usual slope test until the dependence is addressed.

Answer

No. The time-order residual pattern suggests that the independence condition is violated, so the usual slope-test \(p\)-value is not reliable as reported.
54809212
A slope test is based on only \(10\) observations. The residual plot against fitted values shows no curve or funnel, but a normal probability plot of the residuals has one extremely large positive residual far from the rest. The software reports \(p=0.03\) for testing \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta\ne0\). Is the usual \(t\)-test conclusion dependable from this information? Explain.

Hints

- Consider which regression-inference conditions matter especially when the sample is small. - Ask what an extreme residual can do to both the error distribution and the fitted slope. - A small \(p\)-value does not repair a failed model condition.

Solution

1. With a small sample, the slope \(t\)-procedure is sensitive to strong departures from the nearly normal error condition and to extreme observations. 2. The isolated large residual is evidence that this condition is doubtful and may also represent an influential observation. 3. Therefore, the reference \(t\) distribution used to obtain \(p=0.03\) may not be appropriate for these data. 4. The reported significance should not be treated as dependable without investigating the unusual observation and the model conditions.

Answer

No. With only \(10\) observations, the extreme residual makes the usual slope \(t\)-test questionable, so the reported \(p=0.03\) is not enough by itself for a dependable conclusion.
54810512
In a randomized experiment, identical seedlings are randomly assigned different fertilizer amounts within a prespecified safe range. A linear regression of growth on fertilizer amount gives strong evidence that the population slope is positive, and the residual diagnostics support the model. Compared with an observational study of fertilizer use, what additional conclusion can the randomized design support?

Hints

- Separate what the slope test says from what the study design contributes. - Ask how random assignment affects potential confounding variables. - Keep any causal conclusion within the population and treatment range actually studied.

Solution

1. The slope test provides evidence of a positive linear relationship between assigned fertilizer amount and mean growth over the studied range. 2. Random assignment tends to balance other explanatory factors across fertilizer levels, reducing confounding. 3. Because the explanatory variable was deliberately randomized and the model conditions are supported, the positive relationship can be interpreted as evidence that fertilizer amount causes a change in mean growth for the experimental population and range studied. 4. The conclusion should not automatically be generalized beyond the experimental conditions or fertilizer range.

Answer

The randomized experiment can support a causal conclusion: within the studied range and population, increasing the assigned fertilizer amount affects mean growth. An observational slope association alone would not justify that causal claim.
54811612
A random sample of \(30\) students gives a correlation of \(r=0.54\) between weekly tutoring time and improvement in assessment score. Assume the conditions for inference about a regression slope are met. Test \(H_0: \beta=0\) against \(H_a: \beta\ne0\) at \(\alpha=0.01\). For simple linear regression, use \(t=r\sqrt{\frac{n-2}{1-r^2}}\).

Hints

- Substitute the sample correlation and sample size into the provided test-statistic formula. - A simple linear regression slope test uses \(n-2\) degrees of freedom. - Use both tails because the alternative allows slopes in either direction.

Solution

1. Substitute \(r=0.54\) and \(n=30\): \(t=0.54\sqrt{\frac{28}{1-0.54^2}}\approx3.395\). 2. The residual degrees of freedom are \(30-2=28\). 3. For \(t\approx3.395\) with \(28\) degrees of freedom, the two-sided \(p\)-value is approximately \(0.00207\). 4. Since \(0.00207<0.01\), reject \(H_0\). The sample provides evidence of a nonzero population slope relating weekly tutoring time to improvement in assessment score.

Answer

\(t\approx3.395\), \(df=28\), and \(p\approx0.00207\). Reject \(H_0\) at \(\alpha=0.01\); there is evidence of a nonzero population regression slope.

All problems may be used, copied and printed free of charge for school and tutoring, including paid tutoring. Commercial adaptations as well as publication or redistribution on the internet are not permitted.